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JAMES    E.    SMITH. 


A 

FAMOUS  BATTERY 

AND 

ITS  CAMPAIGNS,  1861 -'64 


THE   CAREER   OF 

CORPORAL  JAMES  TANNER 

IN   WAR   AND   IN   PEACE 


EARLY   DAYS    IN   THE    BLACK    HILLS 

WITH   SOME   ACCOUNT  OF 

CAPT.  JACK  CRAWFORD 

The  Poet  Scout 


BY 

CAPTAIN    JAMES    E.   SMITH 
4th  N.  Y.  Independent  Battery 


WASHINGTON 

W.  H.  LOWDERMILK  &  CO. 
1892 


Copyright,  1892,  by  JAMES  E.  SMITH 


PREFACE 


IN  presenting  these  memoirs  to  the  public  my  aim  is 
simply  a  plain,  unvarnished  tale  to  tell  of  the  gallant 
deeds  of  a  Battery  which,  to  use  the  words  of  the  official 
report  of  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  State  of  New 
York  (Vol.  I,  page  169,  1868),  "  served  during  the  war 
with  as  bright  a  record  as  any  in  the  whole  Army," 
and,  incidentally,  to  correct  some  erroneous  statements 
and  reports  in  the  light  of  the  fuller  information  now 
attainable  regarding  the  tremendous  events  of  the 
memorable  epoch  in  our  Nation's  history  to  which 
they  relate. 

This  sketch  of  its  marches  from  the  uplands  of  Bull 
Run  to  the  swamps  of  the  Chickahominy,  from  the 
malarious  Peninsula  to  the  breezy  Pennsylvania  hills, 
is  measurably  a  contemporaneous  history  of  the  battles 
of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  for  there  were  but  few  of 
them  that  this  Battery  did  not  participate  in.  I  have 
endeavored  to  state  facts,  and  trust  that  the  verdict  of 
my  readers  may  be:  "He  nothing  extenuated,  nor 
aught  set  down  in  malice." 

J.  E.  S. 


M181709 


A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 


CONTENTS. 


PART   I. 

THE  THREE  MONTHS'  SERVICE    IN    VARIAN'S    BATTERY. 

CHAPTER  I    .................      ! 

Southward  Ho  /—An  unrecorded  engagement. 
CHAPTER  II  ............   ...  6 

In  Camp  at  Annapolis,  —  A  tilt  with  General 

Butler. 
CHAPTER  III    .   .        ......  I2 

On  Picket  in  Virginia.  —  Cub  Run.  —  Home 

Again. 

CHAPTER  IV    ..........   ......    24 

Some  Personal  Incidents. 


F»ARX   II. 

THE   FOURTH    NEW    YORK    BATTERY  —  ITS    FORMATION, 
ITS   SERVICES,  AND   ITS   DISSOLUTION. 

CHAPTER  I    ...............  ^3 

Organization.  —  On  to  Washington. 
CHAPTER  II  ............    .....    43 

Winter  Quarters  in  Lower  Maryland.  —  In 
cidents. 


VI  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  III 51 

Yorktown. 

CHAPTER  IV 57 

Williamsburg . 

CHAPTER  V 66 

Official  Reports. — Some  misstatements  cor 
rected. 

CHAPTER  VI 82 

Fredericksburg. 

CHAPTER  VII 93 

After  Fredericksburg. — A  Summer  MarcJi 
through  Maryland. 

CHAPTER  VIII 101 

Gettysburg. 

CHAPTER  IX 113 

Official  Reports. —  Union. 

CHAPTER  X , ...  123 

Official  Reports.  —  Confederate. 

CHAPTER  XI .    ...  133 

Letters  from  participants  in  the  battle  refer 
ring  to  the  part  taken  by  the  Battery. 

CHAPTER  XII 147 

Remarks  and  Criticisms. 

CHAPTER  XIII 156 

Poetic  Tributes  to  the  Battery. — i.  A  Famous 
Battery  and  its  Day  of  Glory,  by  Capt.  Jack 
Crawford,  the  Poet  Scout. — n.  Devil' s  Den, 
by  Comrade  Samuel  Adams  Wiggin. 

CHAPTER  XIV 164 

Back  to  Washington. — Disbanded. 


CONTENTS.  Vll 

APPENDIX 175 

THE  CAREER  OF  CORPORAL  TANNER  .  .  .  .  179 
EARLY  DAYS  IN  THE  BLACK  HILLS  .  .  .  ~.  .  .217 
THE  GRAND  ARMY  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 235 


THE   THREE   MONTHS  SERVICE   IN 
VARIAN'S   BATTERY 


CHAPTER   I 

Southward,   Ho  ! — An   Unrecorded  Engagement 

ONG  before  the  first  rays  of  trie  sun 
had  glinted  on  the  topmasts 
of  the  shipping  in  New  York 
Harbor,  in  the  early  dawn  of 
April  19,  i86i,theold  "Wash 
ington  Gray  Troop,"  or  Com 
pany  "I"  of  the  8th  New 
York  State  Militia,  reorgan 
ized  the  day  before  as  Varian's 
Battery  of  Light  Artillery, 
started  for  ' '  the  front ' ' — magic 

words  in  the  feverish  days  of  the  early  sixties,  that 
made  the  blood  dance  in  the  veins,  and  filled  the 
souls  of  the  average  young  man  of  that  period  with  a 
wild  longing  for  the  stirring  life  of  the  camp  and  the 
battlefield. 


2  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

We  were  on  board  the  steamship  Montgomery  under 
sealed  orders,  and  our  destination  was  —  well,  some 
where  in  the  tumultuous  South,  just  where  we  didn't 
know  and  hardly  cared,  but  with  the  confidence  of 
youth  and  inexperience  we  considered  ourselves  a 
match  for  anything  we  might  encounter. 

A  word  of  introduction  as  to  who  and  what  we  were 
that  sailed  away  from  New  York  that  bright  spring 
morning  to  put  down  the  Rebellion  may  be  pardoned. 

Varian's  Battery  consisted  of  six  smooth-bore  six- 
pounder  brass  pieces,  with  carriages,  obtained  from  the 
7th  Regiment,  and  thirty-six  horses,  all  that  could  be 
collected  in  the  brief  period  allowed  for  that  purpose. 
We  were  provided  with  200  rounds  of  ammunition  per 
gun. 

The  personnel  of  the  Battery  was,  perhaps,  unex 
celled  by  any  organization  that  ever  went  into  the  serv 
ice.  The  Captain,  Joshua  M.  Varian,  was  a  very  pop 
ular  officer  in  militia  circles,  and  held  in  high  esteem 
by  all  who  knew  him.  When  it  became  known  that  he 
needed  a  few  recruits  to  bring  his  company  up  to  a  bat 
tery  standard,  some  of  the  best  men  in  the  city  besieged 
the  armory  in  their  efforts  to  be  enrolled,  and  it  required 
but  an  hour  or  so  to  obtain  all  the  men  that  could  be 
carried,  while  he  was  obliged  to  refuse  hundreds. 

The  nucleus  of  this  Battery,  "The  Gray  Troop,"  was 
composed  of  some  of  the  most  prominent  business  men 
in  the  city  of  New  York,  in  fact  none  were  admitted  to 
its  ranks  except  those  of  good  standing  in  mercantile 
or  professional  life,  and  care  was  taken  that  their  new 
associates  in  the  Battery  should  be  young  men  of  credit 
able  antecedents.  In  the  enthusiastic  crowd  that  stood 


SOUTHWARD   HO  !  3 

on  the  deck  of  the  Montgomery  in  the  gray  light  of 
that  April  morning  were  (the  subsequently  Hon.)  Ed 
ward  Kearney,  chief  of  piece,  who  distinguished  him 
self  not  long  afterwards  by  retaking  the  light-ship  at 
Smith's  Point,  on  the  Potomac  ;  Gunner  James  L,ynch, 
afterwards  Sheriff  of  New  York  City  ;  Private  James  S. 
Fraser,  since  then  Department  Commander  of  the  New 
York  G.  A.  R.,  and  numerous  other  privates  who  were 
to  wear  officer's  bars  and  eagles  before  the  war  was 
over. 

When  the  steamer  cast  off  her  moorings  and  swung 
out  into  the  channel,  Captain  Varian,  standing  on  the 
upper  deck,  proposed  three  cheers  for  the  flag  floating 
over  us,  three  for  our  beloved  New  York,  and  three  more 
for  the  dear  ones  we  were  leaving  behind.  When  the 
last  was  given  it  is  no  blot  on  their  manhood  to  state 
that  not  a  few  turned  aside  to  conceal  the  tears  that 
welled  into  their  eyes.  But  the  voyage  had  begun,  a 
new  and  probably  stormy  phase  of  life  was  unfolding, 
and  the  path  to  a  glorious  career  seemed  shimmering 
before  us  on  the  dancing  waves  glistening  in  the  first 
rays  of  the  rising  sun. 

After  passing  Sandy  Hook  it  was  ascertained  that  the 
ship  was  bound  for  Annapolis,  Md.  All  went  smoothly 
until  the  2ist,  when  an  incident  occurred  which  has  not 
yet  found  a  place  in  history.  It  had  been  rumored  that 
more  than  one  cruiser  carrying  the  Confederate  flag  had 
caused  considerable  damage  to  Federal  vessels,  and  many 
hasty  glances  were  cast  towards  the  two  guns  in  the 
bow  while  the  boys  discussed  the  probabilities  of  fall 
ing  in  with  one  of  these  unwelcome  customers.  So  it 
is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  a  cry  from  the  lookout  at 


4  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

the  mast-head  of  ' '  Sail  Ho  ! ' '  caused  every  man  to  rush 
forward,  eagerly  scanning  the  surface  of  the  ocean  in 
the  direction  indicated,  and  long  before  they  obtained  a 
sight  of  the  vessel  signaled,  it  is  safe  to  say  she  was 
secretly  considered  by  every  one  as  something  sus- 
picious.  Finally,  when  she  hove  in  sight,  this  belief 
was  confirmed,  for  it  would  have  been  difficult  to  find 
a  more  rakish  looking  craft.  Instinctively  each  man 
moved  nearer  to  the  guns.  Captain  Varian  stood  near 
the  wheel-house,  while  the  captain  of  the  ship,  with 
glass  and  trumpet,  stood  by  to  execute  any  orders 
given.  Somehow,  by  the  time  the  vessels  were  within 
hailing  distance,  the  men  had  crept  up  to  the  guns  and 
stood  ready  to  open  fire.  All  eyes  were  closely  watch 
ing  the  approaching  piratical  looking  craft,  which  was 
about  to  pass  us  on  the  starboard  side.  What  a  mean, 
skulking  thing  she  appeared  to  be  !  Now  the  moment 
to  challenge  was  at  hand,  and  the  captain  of  the  Mont 
gomery  hailed  the  mysterious  stranger,  demanding  her 
destination,  whence  she  came,  etc.  Of  this  modest  re 
quest  not  the  slightest  notice  was  taken;  then  the  notion 
got  into  the  boys'  heads  that  she  was  trying  to  slip 
away,  after  having  discovered  our  guns  and  the  resolute 
men  ready  to  serve  them,  but  Captain  Varian  was  equal 
to  the  occasion  and  at  once  gave  the  order  to  load  with 
a  solid  shot  and  fire  across  her  bows.  (This  means 
"heave  to  or  take  the  consequences";  it  is,  in  fact,  an 
insult,  and  if  not  heeded  in  time  of  war,  the  vessel  fir 
ing  the  shot  should,  in  accordance  with  the  custom  of 
the  sea,  at  once  open  fire  with  a  view  to  cripple  or  sink 
her  adversary.)  Away  sped  the  old  six-pound  ball, 
ricocheting  in  front  of  this  insolent  cruiser  who  had  dis- 


AN   UNRECORDED    ENGAGEMENT.  5 

regarded  the  invitation  to  explain  her  presence,  but  be 
fore  the  smoke  had  cleared  away  some  one,  after  the 
style  of  gazers  at  a  Fourth  of  July  fire-works  display, 
exclaimed,  "  Ah  !  Ah  !  "  This  caused  others  to  look, 
and  there,  within  five  hundred  yards  was  discovered  a 
sight  that  chilled  our  blood.  The  port-holes  of  this 
strange  craft  were  open  and  from  each  protruded  the 
muzzle  of  a  long,  nasty-looking  gun,  manned  by  ' '  Uncle 
Sam's"  Marines,  ready  to  give  us  a  broadside  which 
would,  in  all  probability,  have  sent  us  to  the  bottom. 
Then  in  thunder  tones  came  the  command:  ''Send  an 

officer  on  board,  d d  quick. ' '     This,  it  is  needless  to 

say,  was  done  without  unnecessary  delay.  Explana 
tions  followed,  and  it  was  gratifying  to  know  that 
'  Varian's  Battery  "  had  taken  a  prominent  part  in  the 
first  naval  engagement  after  the  fall  of  Sumter,  and  had 
brought-to  the  Grape-shot,  U.  S.  M.  Service,  whose 
commander  condescended  to  say  that  he  judged  it  was 
a  lot  of  militia  or  he  would  have  sunk  the  outfit.  As 
he  sheered  off  he  kindly  volunteered  this  piece  of  in 
formation:  [<  The  next  time  you  wish  to  hail  a  vessel, 
fire  a  blank,  or  you  may  not  get  off  so  easily." 


A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 


CHAPTER  II 
In  Camp  at  Annapolis — A  Tilt  with  General  Butler 

FTER  quite  a  tedious  sail  around 
Cape  Henry  and  up  the 
Chesapeake  Bay,  we  arrived 
at  Annapolis,  Md.,  about 
noon  of  the  22d  of  April, 
where  Captain  Varian  re 
ported  to  General  Butler, 
then  in  command  of  the 
post.  He  directed  that  the 
Battery  be  disembarked  and 

parked  inside  the  marine  grounds.  This  was  accom 
plished  after  a  good  deal  of  hard  work.  We  lacked, 
however,  a  complement  of  horses  and  harness.  Provi 
dence  furnished  the  horses  in  a  curious  way,  which  I 
will  now  relate,  but  it  took  the  United  States  Govern 
ment  some  time  to  provide  the  harness. 

During  a  severe  storm  one  night  over  one  hundred 
horses  were  lowered  from  a  steamer  outside  and  swim 
ming  ashore  were  attracted  by  the  whinnying  of  our 
thirty-six  animals  fastened  to  the  picket  rope,  and  at 
once  joined  them.  The  grounds  being  enclosed  by  a 
wall  on  three  sides  rendered  it  easy  to  capture  and  tie 
up  the  entire  lot.  They  were  turned  over  to  the  Gov- 


IN   CAMP   AT   ANNAPOLIS.  7 

ernment  at  Centreville  later  on.  General  Butler,  with 
that  restless  energy  characteristic  of  him,  ordered  two 
detachments  of  sixteen  of  our  men  each,  to  be  instructed 
in  handling  two  thirty-two  pounders  stationed  in  Fort 
Severn  and  used  formerly  by  the  marines  for  practicing. 
The  commander  of  the  brig  Perry,  at  anchor  near 
by,  kindly  consented  to  give  instructions,  and  loaned 
our  officers  a  book  on  naval  tactics.  The  preliminary 
drill  requires  each  man  from  No.  i,  to  16,  inclusive,  to 
"speak  a  piece,"  i.  e.,  when  the  gun's  crew  has  taken 
its  position,  at  the  command  of  the  officer  in  charge  to 
"cast  loose  and  procure,"  then  No.  i  explains  his 
duties,  followed  by  No.  2,  and  so  on  to  the  end. 

I  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  these  detachments 
and  reported  to  our  naval  instructor  in  the  Fort,  who, 
after  explaining  some  minor  details,  produced  the  book 
and  remarking  that  it  would  take  some  time  to  post  the 
men,  promised  to  call  around  the  next  day. 

I  hit  upon  a  plan  that  enabled  us  to  make  a  good 
showing  in  the  morning,  viz.  :  I  copied  on  separate  slips 
of  paper  each  man's  "piece,"  so  that  all  could  study 
at  the  same  time,  and  during  rehearsal  that  afternoon 
succeeded  in  making  our  drill  a  perfect  success.  We 
were  at  it  again  early  the  next  day,  to  make  assurance 
doubly  sure,  and  when  the  naval  gentlemen  put  in  an 
appearance  we  were  carelessly  lounging  around  the  drill 
room.  I  think  it  was  one  of  the  proudest  moments  of 
my  life  when  I  called  the  men  to  quarters  and  sang  out 
4 '  Cast  loose  and  procure. ' '  The  boys  were  prompt  and 
rattled  off  their  pieces  without  one  mistake.  The  guns 
were  loaded  (in  our  minds)  and  run  out  ready  for  dis 
charging  ;  meanwhile  our  instructor  looked  on  in  as- 


8  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

tonishtnent,  declaring  it  required  one  year's  time  and 
several  marlin  spikes  to  accomplish  on  board  ship  what 
we  had  mastered  in  twenty-four  hours. 

We  felt  very  proud  of  this  work,  especially  when  there 
appeared  to  be  some  grounds  for  the  rumor  that  the 
enemy  intended  to  make  us  a  visit  by  water. 

Shortly  after  this  I  had  the  ill-luck  to  come  into  per 
sonal  collision  with  General  Butler,  through  no  fault  of 
mine,  in  a  way  that  is  amusing  enough  to  recall  now, 
but  which  did  not  strike  me  that  way  at  the  time  of  its 
occurrence.  I  had  a  spirited  gray  horse  which  I  was 
accustomed  to  ride  outside  the  walls,  in  company  with 
the  other  Battery  officers,  every  evening  when  not  on 
duty.  The  horse  was  a  famous  jumper  and  as  I  felt 
quite  proud  of  his  abilities  in  that  line  I  was  always 
on  the  lookout  for  a  fence  to  put  him  at  and  show  off 
his  steeple-chasing  qualities.  As  we  frequently  met  the 
General  and  his  staff  out  riding,  I  suppose  he  noticed 
the  gray's  superb  action,  and  so  I  heard  from  him. 

One  evening  the  Captain  sent  for  me,  and  upon  re 
porting,  he  informed  me  that  General  Butler  wanted 
my  horse.  I  laughed  at  this,  supposing  it  was  a  joke, 
but  when  the  orderly  who  had  brought  the  message 
turned  to  me  and  stolidly  repeated  it,  I  ceased  laugh 
ing.  The  situation  was  becoming  serious.  At  that 
time  we  still  retained  a  large  amount  of  "  militia-ism" 
and  were  not  much  disturbed  by  the  commanding  tones 
of  ranking  officers  who,  we  suspected,  had  little  if  any 
advantage  over  us  in  the  knowledge  of  military  matters. 
Still,  I  concluded  it  might  be  as  well  for  me  to  make  a 
call  on  the  General.  I  had  about  made  up  my  mind  to 
do  so,  when  the  same  orderly,  who  had  delivered  the 


A  TILT  WITH  GENERAL  BUTLER.         9 

message  and  returned  to  headquarters,  appeared  again 
and  with  a  salute  informed  me  that  the  General  wished 
to  see  me  at  once. 

I  lost  no  time  in  obeying  the  order.  I  found  the 
commanding  officer  pacing  his  room  in  slippers  and 
dressing  gown  and  evidently  in  very  bad  humor.  I 
saluted  and  waited  his  pleasure.  He  looked  at  me 
with  an  angry  frown  for  a  few  moments  and  then  burst 
out  with : 

' '  Are  you  Lieutenant  Smith  ?  ' ' 

"  At  your  service,  General,"  I  replied,  with  as  calm 
a  demeanor  as  I  could  assume. 

"  Why  did  you  not  deliver  that  horse  to  my  orderly, 
sir,  as  directed  ?  ' '  was  the  next  question,  in  imperious 
tones. 

''Well,  General,"  I  answered,  with  a  rather  feeble 
attempt  at  a  smile,  "the  horse  is  not  for  sale ;  still,  if 
you  are  particularly  desirous  of  having  him,  about  four 
hundred  dollars  might,  perhaps,  induce  me  to  part  with 
him — to  you." 

Now  this  was,  probably,  a  rather  free  way  for  a  sub 
ordinate  to  reply  to  his  commanding  officer,  but  I  was 
nettled  by  his  dictatorial  manner,  and  I  really  can  not 
see  what  else  I  could  have  said  under  the  circumstances. 

The  General  stared  at  me  with  such  a  malevolent 
look  out  of  his  good  eye  that  I  began  to  feel  quite  un 
comfortable  until,  with  something  very  like  a  grunt, 
he  turned  away,  and  I  lost  no  time  in  getting  out,  sup 
posing  that  was  the  end  of  the  matter.  But  I  changed 
my  ideas  on  that  point  before  the  sun  had  set. 

The  General  kept  an  old  tub  of  a  steamer  within  call 
for  special  duty  purposes.  It  was  deemed  advisable  at 


IO  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

this  time  to  place  a  section  of  guns  on  board,  with  two 
detachments  under  command  of  a  commissioned  officer, 
for  police  duty  on  the  bay;  it  was  further  ordered  that 
neither  the  officer  nor  men  should  land  without  permis 
sion  from  the  General  commanding.  Usually  an  order 
of  this  kind  would  have  directed  the  Captain  of  the 
Battery  to  detail  an  officer,  etc.,  but  judge  of  my  sur 
prise  to  learn  that  the  General  had  directed  that  ' '  Lieu 
tenant  Smith  and  one  section  of  the  Battery  "  be  detailed 
for  this  duty.  Practically  I  had  no  command,  being 
the  lowest  ranking  officer  in  the  company,  and  to  com 
ply  with  the  order  some  one  would  be  deprived  of  his 
section.  However,  on  board  I  bundled,  not  without 
making  a  gentle  "  kick,"  believing  I  was  the  victim  of 
persecution.  There  was  no  way  out  of  it  but  to  take 
my  medicine.  For  two  weeks  we  cruised  up  and  down 
the  bay,  during  which  period  the  General  came  on 
board  with  his  staff  for  a  trip  to  Fort  McHenry.  The 
day  was  very  warm,  as  I  had  good  reason  to  remember. 
Our  guns  were  stationed  in  the  bow  without  the  slight 
est  shelter  and,  as  bad  luck  would  have  it,  the  General 
took  a  seat  in  the  wheel-house  to  make  observations. 
How  he  managed  to  twist  his  eyes  in  the  direction  of 
the  guns  is  more  than  I  can  tell ;  nevertheless,  he  did  ; 
then  he  took  a  great  interest  in  the  practice  of  artillery, 
for  the  time  being,  and  made  a  pressing  request  that 
for  his  edification  the  men  be  drilled.  For  over  one 
hour  we  stood  under  a  broiling  sun,  which  did  not  in 
crease  our  love  for  the  old  man  at  that  time. 

Our  release  from  police  duty  on  the  bay  finally  came, 
when  the  General  took  his  departure  for  Fortress  Mon 
roe,  to  which  point  we  escorted  him. 


EDWARD    KEARNEY. 


A  TILT  WITH   GENERAI,  BUTLER.  II 

We  were  ordered  to  anchor  in  the  "Roads"  after  our 
arrival,  and  not  to  visit  the  shore.  I  think  we  were  de 
tained  four  days.  At  last  one  night  at  midnight  an 
orderly  delivered  to  me  an  order  to  report  back  to  An 
napolis.  The  news  was  passed  and  the  boys  landed  the 
anchor  on  record  time.  I  stood  by  the  helm  determined 
not  to  notice  anything  in  the  shape  of  signals,  fearing 
our  order  would  be  countermanded.  I  have  always 
thought  there  was  a  little  desire  to  punish  me  in  all 
this,  but  it  may  have  been  accidental. 

While  this  was  going  on,  another  section  of  the  Bat 
tery  performed  very  valuable  service  in  securing  a  light 
ship  which  had  been  run  up  a  creek  to  deceive  vessels 
in  the  night.  Of  this  incident  I  can  say  but  little,  but 
I  remember  that  Kd.  Kearney,  then  chief  of  piece,  was 
the  hero  of  this  encounter.  He  boldly  stood  by  his 
gun  and  was  the  only  Federal  in  sight  for  a  brief  period. 
His  example  and  cool  judgment,  with  a  little  vigorous 
persuasion  added,  succeeded  in  establishing  order  and 
turning  defeat  into  victory.  A  reference  to  the  records 
as  published  in  the  Adjutant-General's  Report,  State 
of  New  York,  Vol.  I,  1868,  a  copy  of  which  is  herewith 
appended,  will  furnish  a  full  account  of  this  affair. 
(See  Report,  page  169.) 


12 


A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 


CHAPTER   III 

On  Picket  in  Virginia  —  Cub  Run  —  Home  Again 


Battery  finally  reached 
Arlington,  Va.,  late  in  May, 
1  86  1,  and  every  night  at 
least  one  section  was  posted 
for  picket  duty  on  one  of  the 
roads  leading  from  the  inte 
rior  of  Virginia. 

The  night  of  the  great 
false  alarm  that  brought  the 
army  over  the  lyOng  Bridge 

from  Washington  to  the  Virginia  side,  I  was  in  charge 
of  two  guns  on  the  Vienna  Pike.  Captain  Brackett 
of  the  Second  Dragoons,  U.  S.  Cav.,  detailed  a  sergeant 
and  six  men  to  report  to  me  for  vidette  and  other  duty. 
About  one  o'clock  A.  M.  I  heard  the  clatter  of  a 
horse's  feet  coming  down  the  road  at  a  slashing  pace, 
and  as  he  came  near  the  infantry  picket  a  challenge, 
quickly  followed  by  the  report  of  his  piece,  ringing 
clear  and  loud  on  the  midnight  air;  still  on  came  the 
horse.  Bang  !  went  another  gun,  and  by  this  time  the 
frightened  beast  was  panting  and  blowing  among  the 
horses  of  my  section. 

It  was  my  duty  to  investigate  and  report  at  once  to 


ON   PICKET   IN   VIRGINIA.  13 

General  McDowell  at  the  Arlington  House.  I  found 
that  the  advanced  vidette  had  dismounted,  and  relying 
upon  the  friendship  existing  between  himself  and  horse, 
allowed  him  to  crop  the  grass.  The  ungrateful  beast 
evidently  intended  to  play  his  rider  a  trick,  and  watch 
ing  his  opportunity  jumped  and  started  for  camp. 
While  running  the  gauntlet  one  bullet  cut  him  across 
the  crupper,  but  ere  the  reports  of  the  guns  had  died 
away,  it  seemed  as  if  every  drum  on  the  Virginia  side 
of  the  Potomac  was  trying  to  wake  the  dead.  The 
long  roll  was  sounded  in  every  camp  and  was  taken  up 
on  the  Washington  side  and  kept  up  till  the  forces  in 
the  city  crossed  over  into  Virginia,  where  they  formed 
in  line  of  battle  and  remained  until  daylight. 

I  suppose  it  took  longer  to  promulgate  orders  in  the 
earlier  days  of  the  war,  which  may  account  for  the 
seeming  delay  in  giving  notice  of  the  cause,  but  this 
was  the  last  of  the  false  alarms  in  this  vicinity.  Next 
day  General  McDowell  issued  orders  that  thereafter  no 
notice  would  be  taken  of  the  discharge  of  small  arms, 
that  the  approach  of  the  enemy  would  be  designated 
by  the  discharge  of  field  pieces,  and  officers  in  charge 
of  such  guns  were  instructed  not  to  fire  until  they  had 
observed  the  enemy,  with  an  additional  caution  that 
they  would  be  held  personally  responsible,  etc. 

Some  time  in  June,  while  eating  our  mid-day  meal  in 
our  pleasant  quarters  at  the  foot  of  the  eastern  slope  of 
Arlington  Hill,  an  order  came  from  General  McDowell 
to  send  a  section  to  report  to  General  Tyler,  then  sta 
tioned  at  Falls  Church,  Va.  We  had  no  idea  of  the 
distance  or  location,  but  the  order  stated  that  a  guide 
would  be  furnished  to  pilot  the  way,  and  that  haste  was 


14  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

necessary,  as  this  point  was  threatened  by  the  "  Black- 
horse  Cavalry." 

General  Tyler  was  without  artillery,  hence  much  de 
pended  on  prompt  action.  The  Captain  left  his  seat  at 
the  table  with  the  order  in  his  hand  and  coming  to  my 
chair,  stopped  and  asked,  ' '  Who  shall  I  send  with  this 
section  ?  ' '  having  read  aloud  the  order.  There  was 
no  response;  indeed,  there  could  be  none  until  the  se 
lection  of  the  section  had  been  announced,  then  as 
each  section  had  a  commander  there  would  be  no  ques 
tion  as  to  who  would  or  ought  to  go.  I  was  still  minus 
a  section  and  yet  felt  that  I  was  doomed.  It  may  have 
been  instinct;  be  that  as  it  may,  I  was  not  much  sur 
prised  when  the  Captain  laid  his  hand  on  my  shoulder 
and  exclaimed,  "You  go  !  " 

My  first  thought  was  that  danger  was  apprehended 
and  I  was  made  the  scapegoat.  My  indignation  almost 
mastered  me,  but  I  left  the  table  saying,  ' '  Which  sec 
tion  shall  I  take,  sir?"  Receiving  my  answer,  I  at 
once  assumed  command  and  made  speedy  preparation 
for  our  departure.  Many  men  belonging  to  other  sec 
tions  honored  me  by  their  earnest  requests  to  join  the 
party.  Some  of  them  who  appealed  to  the  Captain 
were  allowed  to  do  so.  My  anger  was  so  great  I  de 
termined  to  get  away  without  bidding  the  Captain 
"  Good-bye."  Therefore  I  hastened  up  the  hill  after 
the  carriages  at  a  full  gallop,  but  on  reaching  the  sum 
mit  I  found  this  grand  little  man  shaking  hands  with 
the  boys.  I  checked  my  horse  before  him,  he  grasped 
me  by  the  hand,  one  look  into  his  eyes  and  the  story 
was  told  without  one  word  from  either. 

It  was  now  about  3  o'clock  p.  M.,  and  instead  of  a 


ON   PICKET   IN   VIRGINIA.  15 

guide,  a  diagram  of  the  route  was  placed  in  my  hands 
with  a  statement  that  the  distance  was  about  fifteen 
miles.  The  pace  was  made  accordingly,  and  if  my 
memory  serves  me,  the  first  halt  made  to  inquire  the 
way  was  at  ''Taylor's  Inn,"  General  Tyler's  head 
quarters,  less  than  five' miles  from  Arlington. 

In  this  manner  I  had  the  honor  of  leading  the  first 
artillery  from  the  defences  of  Washington  into  Virginia 
in  1861,  before  the  grand  advance,  as  well  as  firing 
the  first  shot,  which  opened  the  campaign.  (See  Report, 
S.  N.  Y.) 

In  a  few  days  the  balance  of  the  Battery  joined  us 
and  again  I  was  a  free  lance. 

The  services  rendered  by  the  Battery  while  stationed 
at  Falls  Church  can  not  be  estimated  too  highly.  Con 
stant  picket  duty  on  the  various  roads  greatly  assisted 
General  Tyler  in  keeping  a  clear  front. 

When  the  advance  began  July  14,  1861,  Tyler's  bri 
gade  was  assigned  to  General  E.  D.  Keyes's  Division. 
The  Battery  had  the  right  of  the  line  for  four  days, 
when  the  head  of  the  Division  reached  a  point  near 
the  Fairfax  road.  Marching  parallel  to  this  the  enemy 
were  plainly  seen  moving  in  the  direction  of  Centre- 
vine  ;  their  flank  being  exposed,  the  Battery  took  ad 
vantage  of  the  situation  and  opened  fire.  (See  Ad 
jutant-General's  Report.)  The  army  was  detained  by 
'the  felled  trees  thrown  across  the  road,  and  the  Engineer 
Corps  was  kept  busy  in  clearing  a  passage. 

A  representative  of  the  New  York  Evening  Express 
and  myself  passed  to  the  front  on  the  Germantown  road, 
riding  rapidly  until  we  reached  an  abatis  of  felled  tim 
ber,  which  my  horse  managed  to  pass.  Observing  a 


1 6  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

fire  and  kettle  on  a  tripod,  I  soon  had  a  nice  boiled 
chicken  which  the  Confederate  outpost  had  hastily 
abandoned.  I  also  found  a  felt  blanket  which  served 
as  a  cloak  or  circular  by  using  a  cord  to  contract  one 
end.  This  I  presented  to  the  newspaper  man.  We 
then  discovered  that  the  enemy  had  fired  some  build 
ings  in  Germantown.  Ayers'  U.  S.  Battery  by  this 
time  reached  the  obstructions  and  to  pass  the  time 
while  waiting  for  the  trees  to  be  removed,  threw  a  few 
shot  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy. 

Afterwards  I  rode  forward  to  the  town,  dismounted  in 
front  of  and  entered  a  large  frame  house,  then  burning. 
The  first  room  visited  on  the  ground  floor  contained  a 
bed  and  a  few  small  pictures  on  the  walls ;  a  hasty 
glance  under  the  bed  disclosed  a  demijohn,  which  I 
captured  and  secured,  and  with  this  my  curiosity  was 
satisfied.  I  sat  down,  carefully  guarding  my  prisoner, 
when  a  cloud  of  dust  down  the  road  denoted  the  ap 
proach  of  a  body  of  cavalry.  Up  dashed  the  gallant 
Tompkins  of  Fairfax  Court- House  fame.  I  knew  him 
well,  and  followed  his  troop  until  a  halt  was  made  ; 
then,  boldly  riding  into  camp  with  my  prize  it  goes  with 
out  saying,  my  presence  was  welcomed. 

The  history  of  the  demijohn  was  soon  told.  The 
burning  building  had  been  used  as  an  hospital  by  the 
Confederates  and  my  jug  contained  about  one  gallon  of 
good  medicine,  but  was  it  poisoned  ?  The  problem  was 
soon  solved  by  Charlie  Tompkins  who,  after  smelling, 
sampled  it.  Dr.  Wilson  was  horrified,  and  shouted 
4 '  Hold  on,  Lieutenant,  it  may  be  poisoned  ;  let  me  ana 
lyze  it."  "  I  do  n't  care,  it's  d d  good  poison  any 
how,"  was  the  reply.  The  Doctor,  turning  to  me,  re- 


CUB    RUN.  17 

marked,  "  If  Charlie  lives  ten  minutes,  we'll  try  some." 
Charlie  lived. 

On  the  1 8th  of  July  our  Brigade,  which  included, 
among  others,  the  69th  New  York,  being-  on  the  march 
toward  Centreville,  had  halted  in  a  strip  of  woods  about 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  Cub  Run.     General  Tyler 
had  gone  forward  to  feel  his  way  to  the  Run.     It  was 
a  warm,  clear  day  and  we  were  lounging  about  in  the 
welcome  shade,  when  we  were  startled  by  a  sharp  roll  of 
musketry  from  the  front.     We  knew  at  once  that  Tyler 
had  developed  the  enemy  and  were  instantly  on  the 
alert.     Drivers  sprang  to  their  horses,  cannoneers  leaped 
to  their  places,  and  when  an  aid  came  galloping  back 
with  a  message  to  General  Keyes,  we  of  the  Battery 
felt  sure  that  it  meant  us.     But  it  did  n't.     The  only 
troops  called  for  were  the  6gth.  When  they  received  the 
order  to  go  in  they  burst  into  frantic  cheering  and  in  a 
few  moments  went  past  us  on  the  double-quick  still 
shouting,  and  intensely  eager  to  get  to  the  front.     The 
wild   excitement  was  contagious,  and  mounting  my 
horse  I  followed  the  column.     When  they  reached  a 
cornfield  about  half  a  mile  off,  the  regiment  deployed 
and  soon  was  hotly  engaged.     I  found  General  Tyler 
and  his  staff  behind  a  belt  of  timber  running  east  and 
west  at  the  edge  of  the  field.     From  here  we  could  see 
the  position  of  the  enemy  along  Cub  Run  and  protected 
by  the  thick  woods  shading  both  sides  of  the  stream, 
about  i  ,000  yards  to  the  south.     Their  lines  were  com 
pletely  hidden  by  the  trees,   affording  them  excellent 
cover,  while  the  growing  corn  made  a  very  indifferent 
screen  for  our  men.     But  they  fought  gallantly  until 
the  enemy  opened  on  them  from  several  masked  bat- 


1 8  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

teries,  when  they  were  ordered  to  retire.  As  they  fell 
back  the  Confederate  artillery  kept  up  the  cannonade, 
and  as  they  were  passing  the  spot  where  General  Tyler 
was  sitting  on  his  horse  the  shells  kept  pace  with  them, 
but  at  an  elevation  that  swept  the  trees  overhead,  from 
which  a  shower  of  broken  limbs  and  branches  tumbled 
down  on  him  and  his  staff.  When  the  6gth  came  by 
with  gallant  Colonel  Corcoran  and  knightly  Maj. 
Thomas  Francis  Meagher  at  its  head,  I  rejoined  them 
and  returned  to  the  Brigade.  I  never  could  understand 
why  our  Battery,  idly  standing  within  call,  was  not  or 
dered  up  to  assist  the  infantry. 

In  this  affair  I  saw  for  the  first  time  dead,  dying  and 
wounded  soldiers,  and  I  remember  what  a  thrill  came 
over  me  as  I  noticed  a  young  fellow,  his  blue  uniform 
stained  with  his  blood,  lying  dead  amid  the  rows  of 
corn,  staring  at  the  sky  with  sightless  eyes — mustered 
out  forever  at  the  very  threshold  of  the  mighty  strug 
gle.  And  then  how  curiously  and  even  admiringly  we 
stared  at  the  first  wounded  man  that  hobbled  along  to 
the  rear  in  search  of  medical  treatment.  I  felt  like 
taking  off  my  hat  to  him.  "There,"  I  said  to  myself, 
"that  fellow  will  be  a  hero  when  he  gets  home."  But 
we  got  pretty  well  hardened  to  these  things  before  the 
year  was  out. 

This  was  the  "baptism  of  fire"  for  the  69th,  and 
they  bore  themselves  as  bravely  as  ever  did  their  ances 
tors  at  Fontenoy,  and  here  they  first  earned  the  title 
that  has  clung  to  the  regiment  for  thirty  years,  "  The 
Gallant  Sixty-ninth,"  a  title  which  was  sealed  to  them 
by  their  immortal  valor  at  Bull  Run  three  days  after 
wards. 


CUB    RUN. 


After  this  engagement  we  were  marched  to  Centre- 
ville  and  there  went  into  camp.  Our  term  of  enlist 
ment  had  expired  on  the  i  yth  and  the  question  of  our 
discharge  was  now  being  agitated,  and  it  became  the 
subject  of  much  and  heated  discussion.  From  the  drift 
and  general  tenor  of  the  discussion  it  became  evident 
to  me  that  an  application  for  our  muster  out  would  be 
sent  in.  I  was  not  in  harmony  with  this  movement, 
not  caring  to  leave  the  field  at  this  time,  and  made  an 
effort  to  find  an  opening  where  my  services  might  be 
acceptable.  Lieutenant  Gordon,  of  the  2d  Dragoons, 
aide  to  General  Keyes,  thought  that  he  could  arrange 
it  so  that  a  place  on  Reyes's  staff  would  be  made  for  me. 
This  was  entirely  satisfactory,  so,  to  avoid  any  ill-feel 
ing,  as  the  majority  if  not  all  the  other  officers  of  the 
Battery  were  in  favor  of  the  proposed  action,  I  deter 
mined  to  keep  away  from  camp  for  the  day. 

In  company  with  Chief  of  Piece  Edward  Kearney,  a 
most  excellent  and  companionable  young  fellow,  pos 
sessing  soldierly  qualities  of  the  highest  order,  I  started 
to  visit  the  battlefield  of  the  i8th.  We  soon  reached 
the  woods  where  I  had  seen  General  Tyler  and  staff 
during  the  fight  (having  followed  the  gallant  6gih,  as 
related  elsewhere).  Dismounting,  we  made  our  way 
on  foot  through  the  corn  field,  intending  to  reach  an 
old  log  barn  which  was  situated  well  down  and  within 
about  200  yards  of  Cub  Run,  where  the  enemy's  pickets 
were  concealed,  as  we  soon  discovered. 

After  leaving  the  corn  field  we  saw  a  Confederate 
hospital  flag  flying  from  the  roof  of  a  building  beyond 
the  stream,  but  before  we  could  reach  the  barn  several 
puffs  of  white  smoke  down  at  the  Run  and  the  spite- 


20  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

ful  buzzing  of  minie-balls  in  our  immediate  vicinity 
admonished  us  to  hug  mother  earth  for  safety.  Deem 
ing  it  unadvisable  under  the  circumstances  to  continue 
our  reconnaissance,  having  developed  the  enemy  a  little 
too  suddenly  for  our  comfort,  we  retraced  our  steps,  or 
rather,  to  state  the  exact  facts,  crawled  back  to  the 
friendly  shelter  of  the  growing  corn,  and  so  returned  to 
camp  without  further  adventure. 

I  have  frequently  since,  in  recalling  this  little  inci 
dent,  thought  with  wonder  of  the  meagre  precautions 
taken  in  those  early  days  of  the  war  to  prevent  a  sur 
prise.  I  know  we  did  not  see  a  single  Union  picket  on 
our  trip,  although  this  was  the  left  of  our  line.  It  is 
barely  possible  that  they  were  in  the  log  barn,  but  there 
was  no  support  visible  anywhere. 

Coming  into  the  large  tent,  that  evening,  used  by 
the  Captain  and  his  lieutenants,  I  was  informed  that  a 
vote  had  been  taken  during  my  absence  whether  to  re 
main,  or  to  apply  for  the  discharge  that  was  overdue  us, 
and  that  I  was  expected  to  express  my  wishes.  I  asked 
if  my  vote  would  change  the  result,  and  was  answered 
in  the  negative.  I  then  declined  to  vote.  ' '  And  I, 
sir, ' '  said  the  Captain  sharply,  ' '  order  you  to  vote. ' ' 
"Very  well,"  was  my  answer,  "then  I  wish  it  to  be 
distinctly  understood  that  I  vote  to  remain." 

I  don't  know  whether  this  decision  of  mine  was  ex 
pected  or  not,  but  it  certainly  was  rather  ungraciously 
received,  and  the  chilly  atmosphere  of  the  tent  became 
decidedly  unpleasant.  So  I  had  my  servant  prepare  me  a 
shelter  some  distance  away,  and  remove  my  traps  to  it. 
My  horse  was  saddled  and  picketed  near  by,  and  here  I 
awaited  with  what  patience  I  could  muster  to  hear  from 
General  Keyes. 


CUB   RUN.  21 

About  10  o'clock  p.  M.  on  the  2oth,  Lieutenant  Price, 
General  McDowell's  ordnance  officer,  came  into  camp 
and  called  for  the  Captain,  to  whom  he  delivered  an 
order  to  turn  over  the  Battery,  etc.,  and  take  his  com 
mand  to  the  rear.  He  then  called  for  Lieutenant 
Smith.  I  stepped  out  and  was  informed  that  the 
Battery  was  placed  in  my  charge ! 

This  sudden  and  unlocked  for  change  in  the  status 
of  affairs  took  my  breath  away.  The  first  thought  that 
came  to  me  was  this  :  Captain  Varian  had  been  my 
best  and  truest  friend  ;  I  loved  and  respected  him,  and  I 
felt  that  for  me  to  accept  this  charge  would  look  like  a 
slight  to  this  gallant  soldier.  Aside  from  this,  lack  of 
confidence  in  my  ability  to  handle  the  Battery,  and  a 
belief  that  General  Keyes  would  give  me  a  position  on 
his  staff  induced  me  to  hesitate.  Captain  Varian,  see 
ing  my  embarrassment,  suggested  that  I  request  a  half 
an  hour  to  consider  the  matter.  During  the  discussion 
a  number  of  the  men  gathered  around  and  intimated 
that  they  would  stay  if  I  took  command.  This  was 
very  flattering,  but  I  finally  concluded  that  I  had  bet 
ter  not  accept,  and  so  informed  Lieutenant  Price,  and 
thus  I  lost  the  first  and  best  opportunity  for  promotion 
that  was  thrown  in  my  way. 

I  subsequently  learned  that  this  intended  honor  had 
been  arranged  for  me  through  the  kind  offices  of  Gen 
eral  Keyes,  in  compliment  to  my  vote  to  remain. 

At  i  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  2ist  the  march 
to  the  rear  began,  and  during  the  tedious  tramp  to 
Washington  I  made  up  my  mind  to  organize  a  battery 
of  my  own. 

And  just  here  it  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  say  a 


22  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

word  as  to  the  action  taken  by  the  officers  of  the  Bat 
tery,  especially  as  they  have  been  rather  severely  cen 
sured  for  it.  While  I  did  not  advocate  nor  approve  the 
course  taken  by  the  company,  yet  I  neither  then  nor 
afterward  questioned  their  right  to  demand  their  dis 
charge.  They  had  faithfully  performed  their  part  of 
the  contract ;  they  had  done  their  whole  duty  beyond 
the  time  for  which  they  were  enlisted,  and  that  they 
should  be  criticised  for  simply  demanding  that  the  Gov 
ernment  should  fulfil  its  obligations  to  them  was  rank 
injustice,  and  the  condemnation  of  their  action  con 
tained  in  General  McDowell's  official  report  was  unwar 
ranted  and  ungenerous.  Most  of  the  men  again  en 
listed  and  served  in  various  regiments  and  batteries.  A 
rather  amusing  part  of  the  whole  affair  was  that  after 
the  application  for  muster-out  was  prepared  and  signed, 
I,  who  had  voted  against  it  and  expected  to  remain, 
was  selected  to  present  it  to  General  McDowell !  He 
gave  me  a  very  cool  reception,  and  after  reading  it  re 
marked  in  what  I  considered  an  exceedingly  rude  and 
abrupt  manner: 

' '  Your  discharge  will  be  attended  to,  sir ! ' '    and 
turned  his  back  on  me. 


From  early  morn  until  late  in  the  afternoon  the  con 
stant  booming  of  cannon  served  to  furnish  us  food  for 
comment  as  we  marched  towards  home.  In  the  latter 
part  of  the  day  the  cannonading  became  very  irregular, 
at  times  being  quite  rapid,  then  slackening  to  a  desul 
tory  fire.  The  general  opinion  was  that  our  army  was 
destroying  the  enemy. 


HOME   AGAIN.  23 

We  reached  our  old  camp  at  Falls  Church  that  even 
ing  and  bivouacked  there  for  the  night. 

By  daylight  of  the  22d,  however,  abundant  evidence 
of  the  disaster  to  our  arms  appeared.  The  road  from 
the  front  was  filled  with  disorganized  squads  of  retreat 
ing  troops,  horses,  mules,  wagons — all  aiming  for  the 
Potomac. 

But  the  story  of  that  wild  rout  has  been  so  often 
told  that  its  repetition  is  needless  here. 

Our  company  marched  in  orderly  ranks  with  the  mob 
into  Alexandria,  which  we  reached  about  3  p.  M.,  and 
after  much  trouble  secured  transportation  to  Washing 
ton  that  evening.  Here  we  found  quarters  for  the  night 
in  a  beer  garden  on  Maryland  Avenue,  and  the  next 
morning  took  train  for  New  York  City,  where  the  com 
pany  was  mustered  out. 


A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 


CHAPTER  IV 

Some  Personal  Incidents 

URING  our  stay  at  Falls  Church 
my  duties  in  camp  were 
light,  owing  to  my  position 
as  chief  of  caissons.  This 
gave  me  frequent  opportu,- 
nities  for  scouting  on  my 
own  hook.  On  one  occa 
sion  I  suggested  to  a  certain 
captain  of  the  outpost  the  rather  foolhardy  idea  of 
making  a  raid  on  the  village  of  Anandale,  some  four 
or  five  miles  distant  from  the  advanced  picket  on  the 
road  leading  from  Falls  Church.  The  officer  of  the 
grand  rounds  was  let  into  the  secret  and  made  one  of 
the  number  selected,  he  and  myself  being  the  only 
mounted  individuals  in  the  party.  They  all  belonged 
to  a  Connecticut  regiment. 

Our  plan  was  to  leave  a  guard  with  the  outpost,  and 
with  the  reserve  (about  twenty  men,  I  think)  move  for 
ward  to  within  half  a  mile  of  the  village  and  then  di 
vide  the  force  into  two  equal  parts;  thus,  ten  men  were 
to  move  forward,  say  one  hundred  yards,  and  conceal 
themselves  behind  a  fence,  while  the  other  ten  were  to 


SOME   PERSONAL   INCIDENTS.  25 

remain  hidden  in  the  same  manner,  leaving  an  interval 
of  one  hundred  yards  between,  into  which  the  enemy 
were  to  be  enticed  and  captured.  The  captain  and  my 
self  were  to  ride  forward  to  attract  attention.  In  doing 
so  we  decided  (between  ourselves)  that  it  would  be  best 
for  one  to  drop  behind,  and  in  case  the  enemy  should 
give  chase  he  was  to  turn  and  flee  as  an  indication  of 
weakness,  at  the  first  sight  of  the  enemy. 

After  both,  with  their  pursuers,  had  passed  the  first 
ten,  they  were  to  blockade  the  road  in  rear,  when  the 
other  ten  would  throw  a  line  across  the  front.  In  this 
way  it  was  thought  to  spring  a  trap  that  would  redound 
to  our  glory.  My  horse  being  considered  the  fleetest, 
it  was  left  to  me  to  raid  the  town  and  stir  up  the  ' '  Black- 
horse  Cavalry,"  said  to  be  camped  near  by.  My  arms 
consisted  of  a  pocket  pistol,  which  was  carried  in  my 
hand. 

Thus  equipped  and  with  perfect  confidence  in  our 
ability  to  handle  forty  or  fifty  of  the  enemy  by  reason  of 
the  wise  (?)  disposition  of  our  force,  I  dashed  into  the 
town,  but  seeing  nothing  of  the  enemy,  turned  to  the 
left  and  made  for  a  toll-gate,  where  I  interviewed  the 
keeper.  He  informed  me  that  a  regiment  of  Confed 
erate  cavalry  had  recently  been  camped  in  the  woods 
just  outside  the  village,  but  it  was  not  certain  that  they 
were  there  now,  as  none  had  been  seen  for  a  day  or  two. 

I  did  not  make  the  haste  expected  of  me  by  the  rear 
guard;  at  all  events  on  my  return  I  discovered  that  they 
had  acted  upon  the  principle  laid  down  and  advice  given 
by  the  militia  colonel  to  his  troops  before  engaging  the 
enemy:  "Boys,"  said  he,  "  go  in  and  give  them  h — 1 ! 
Fight  like  the  d — 1,  and  if  you  can't  whip  them4  run! 


26  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

As  I'm  a  little  lame,  I'll  start  now."    This  proved  that 
"  The  best-laid  schemes  o'  mice  and  men,  gang  aft  agley," 

so  the  "  Black-horse  Cavalry"  escaped. 

I  was  not  quite  satisfied  with  the  result  of  this  expe 
dition  and  resolved  to  reach  Falls  Church  by  a  different 
route  from  that  occupied  by  the  out-post,  who  had  pre 
ceded  me  on  the  return. 

Two  or  three  miles  southwest  of  Falls  Church  there 
was  a  belt  of  woods  extending  from  north  to  south, 
some  miles  from  the  Annandale  road  west.  It  was  com 
posed  of  small  pines  standing  so  closely  together  that  a 
man  could  not  ride  between  them  on  horseback.  The 
soil  is  very  light;  at  this  time  it  was  deep  and  dusty  in 
the  road,  which  was  about  wide  enough  for  wagons  to 
pass  each  other.  I  determined  to  reach  the  western 
road  by  the  route  just  described,  the  distance  being 
about  two  miles.  After  having  traversed  one-half  this 
distance  my  courage  began  to  weaken.  Imagination 
pictured  lurking  foes  on  either  side  of  the  lonely  road, 
still  there  appeared  to  be  no  more  danger  in  going  for 
ward  than  in  returning  so,  almost  in  despair,  I  sank 
the  spurs  deep  into  the  flanks  of  my  willing  horse,  who 
sprang  forward  at  the  top  of  his  speed,  raising  a  cloud 
of  dust  which  was  observed  by  Professor  Lowe  (then 
located  at  General  Tyler's  Headquarters),  who  had  just 
made  a  balloon  ascension.  It  was  reported  to  the  Gen 
eral,  who  at  once  ordered  Lieut.  Chas.  H.  Tompkins  with 
"B"  Company,  Second  U.  S  Cavalry,  to  find  out  the 
cause.  Meantime  I  succeeded  in  reaching  a  point 
where  the  roads  intersected.  Here  I  ran  into  one  of 
our  outposts  consisting  of  three  men.  I  was  halted 


SOME   PERSONAL   INCIDENTS.  27 

and  requested  to  give  the  password.  This  I  did  n't 
know,  so  after  a  little  parleying  they  placed  me  in  charge 
of  one  of  their  number,  at  my  request,  and  marched  me 
to  the  lieutenant  in  charge  of  the  reserve.  Here  I 
found  matters  in  a  state  of  wild  excitement  caused  by 
the  capture  a  little  while  before  of  their  captain,  who 
had  gallantly  offered  his  services  as  escort  to  two  young 
ladies  (the  Misses  Scott)  to  their  ho.me,  a  few  hundred 
yards  distant  on  a  road  leading  to  the  northwest  and  in 
the  open  beyond  the  belt  of  woods  described  above. 

I  satisfied  the  lieutenant  of  my  identity  and  started 
for  camp,  feeling  a  little  ' '  sheepish ' '  at  this  outcome  to 
my  elaborately -planned  raid,  but  had  not  proceeded  far 
when  lieutenant  Tompkins  with  sixty  men  came  thun 
dering  along.  I  wheeled,  and  riding  up  to  the  Lieuten 
ant's  side  soon  ascertained  that  he  was  after  the  party 
responsible 'for  "that  dust-"  I  did  n't  deem  it  neces 
sary  to  tell  him  what  I  knew  of  it,  and  Tompkins 
branched  off  toward  the  Scott  house,  believing  that  the 
party  who  had  captured  the  captain  had  also  created 
the  dust. 

That  night  and  part  of  the  day  following  was  con 
sumed  in  scouting,  ending  with  the  arrest  of  the  Misses 
Scott  and  bringing  them  to  headquarters,  when,  after 
being  questioned  by  the  General,  they  were  allowed  to 
return  home. 

I  kept  that  dust  business  to  myself,  fearing  it  would 
cause  more  strict  orders  in  relation  to  my  privileges. 

Previous  to  this  affair  there  resided  in  the  village  of 
Falls  Church  an  elderly  lady  with  a  son  and  daughter. 
For  some  reason  the  General  commanding  considered 
the  family  as  "suspicious"  and  placed  restrictions 


28  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

upon  the  inmates  of  the  house,  forbidding  them  to  leave 
the  premises.  The  advanced  picket  line  at  this  time 
on  the  road  leading  to  Vienna,  and  which  passed  the 
house  occupied  by  this  lady,  did  not  extend  as  far  as 
the  house  by  two  or  three  rods;  the  pickets  stationed 
here  were  instructed  to  keep  a  close  watch  on  any  visi 
tors  and  prevent  any  such  from  entering  the  house. 

During  one  of  my  outings  I  chanced  to  reach  this 
station,  and  while  coaxing  the  picket  to  let  me  ride  for 
ward  up  the  road  for  a  mile  or  two  (I  had  no  p-^ss- 
word),  I  noticed  a  young  lady  standing  at  the  gate. 
After  being  cautioned  by  the  guard,  I  was  allowed  to 
pass.  '  Her  manner  plainly  indicated  a  desire  to  speak 
to  me  as  I  rode  by  the  gate.  So  stopping  my  horse  I 
bowed,  and  she  informed  me  that  her  mother  was  very 
anxious  to  get  a  letter  to  General  Scott;  that  they  were 
nearly  starved  by  the  cruel  treatment  which  General 
Tyler's  suspicions  had  imposed  upon  them.  "Why," 
said  this  beautiful,  earnest  little  lady,  with  tears  spark 
ling  like  dew-drops  in  a  pair  of  lovely,  innocent  eyes, 
"General  Scott  rents  my  mother's  house  in  the  city 
and  we  came  out  here  for  the  summer. ' '  I  said,  ' '  write 
your  letter  to  General  Scott  and  place  it  on  top  of  the 
gate  post,  I  will  ride  forward  and  on  my  return  will  take 
it,  and  promise  that  it  shall  reach  its  destination." 

I  can  see  her  now,  although  three  decades  have  gone 
rumbling  down  the  corridors  of  time,  with  tears  rolling 
down  her  sweet  face  as  she  thanked  me.  ' '  If  you  are 
ever  wounded  or  sick,  or  need  a  nurse,"  said  she,  "let 
me  know  and  I  will  gladly  come."  Her  deep  sense  of 
gratitude  and  tender  years  will  plead  her  excuse,  if  she 
needs  one.  Bach  word  sank  deep  into  my  heart,  I 


SOME   PERSONAL   INCIDENTS.  29 

knew  her  meaning  and  honored  the  noble  little  lady  for 
her  sentiments. 

That  letter  reached  General  Scott,  and  the  very  next 
day  a  carriage  and  passes  came  from  the  city,  to  which 
this  persecuted  little  family  returned.  As  they  passed 
headquarters  and  the  Battery's  camp  I  was  inquired 
for,  but  as  usual  was  out  of  camp.  They  left  with  the 
Captain  their  expressions  of  gratitude  for  me. 

Upon  my  return  a  message  from  General  Tyler  to 
report  at  once,  caused  me  to  apprehend  a  rating  for 
leaving  camp  without  permission,  but  I  was  rather  as 
tounded  when  he  abruptly  broke  out  with — 

"  Lieutenant  Smith,  I  am  informed  that  you  are  aid 
ing  suspicious  persons  to  escape  to  Washington."  I 
boldly  declared  that  I  had  mailed  a  letter  addressed  to 
General  Scott,  and  if  that  was  aiding  in  the  escape  of 
suspicious  persons,  I  was  ready  for  punishment.  This 
ended  the  matter. 

On  another  occasion  I  arranged  with  a  countryman 
who  brought  vegetables  and  berries  to  our  camp,  and 
with  whom  I  had  become  quite  well  acquainted,  to  go 
out  home  with  him  to  dinner,  and,  as  he  suggested, 
enjoy  a  square  meal. 

His  farm  was  about  four  miles  from  the  village,  on 
or  near  the  Vienna  pike.  The  day  selected  for  this 
trip  was  an  extremely  warm  one,  and  the  road  ex 
cessively  dusty,  but  I  kept  bravely  on,  enduring  the 
sun's  hot  rays  and  as  we  got  out  of  sight  of  camp, 
filled  with  misgivings  as  to  the  prudence  of  venturing 
so  far  into  what  might  well  be  called  the  enemy's 
country,  my  active  imagination  began  to  conjure  up 
foes  in  every  bush.  I  quietly  withdrew  my  trusty 


30  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

pistol  from  the  saddle  holster  and  placed  it  inside  my 
coat,  which  I  buttoned  closely  to  prevent  the  pistol 
from  falling. 

Arriving  at  our  destination,  the  view  of  a  lonely 
farm  house,  surrounded  by  thick  woods,  did  not  add 
to  my  equanimity. 

I  began  to  suspect,  though  utterly  without  reason, 
that  a  trap  had  been  laid  for  my  capture,  but  could 
not  make  up  my  mind  to  turn  and  make  a  break  for 
camp,  as  I  certainly  had  not  the  slightest  evidence  of 
any  intended  treachery. 

Passing  through  a  gate  I  noted  the  height  of  the 
fence,  and  felt  satisfied  that  my  horse  could  carry  me 
over  it,  if  necessary. 

When  dismounted  my  host  kindly  offered  to  care  for 
the  animal,  but  to  this  I  positively  objected,  and  left 
him  under  the  shade  of  a  tree  in  the  yard,  where  I 
knew  he  would  be  found  if  not  interfered  with.  He 
would  not  allow  strangers  to-  touch  him,  but  would 
always  come  at  my  call.  I  never  tied  him  to  anything 
but  the  picket  rope. 

Entering  the  house,  I  was  politely  offered  a  glass  of 
brandy  which  I  discreetly  declined.  Dinner  was  soon 
on  the  table  and  it  was  a  very  good,  substantial  one, 
which  I  would  have  hugely  enjoyed  under  other  cir 
cumstances,  but  during  the  meal  the  perspiration  fairly 
streamed  down  my  face,  but  I  dared  not  unbutton  my 
coat,  as  then  the  pistol  would  be  exposed. 

I  managed  to  keep  my  back  to  the  wall  and  my  eyes 
open  to  all  that  took  place  around  me.  As  the  dinner 
progressed  my  distress  increased.  I  really  do  n't  know 
how  I  answered  my  host's  well-meant  efforts  at  con- 


SOME   PERSONAL   INCIDENTS.  31 

versation,  nor  how  I  got  through  the  dinner.  I  was 
possessed  with  an  overpowering  anxiety  to  get  away 
as  speedily  as  possible.  I  believe  I  finally  took  my 
leave  by  backing  out  of  the  house. 

Calling  my  horse  I  mounted,  while  trying  to  devise 
some  plan  for  a  rapid  departure  that  would  not  expose 
my  suspicions.  I  felt  that  it  would  be  impossible  for 
me  to  ride  away  quietly  with  my  back  towards  the 
people  whom  I  believed  to  be  plotting  my  destruction. 

As  my  farmer  friend  started  to  open  the  gate  that  I 
might  pass  out,  a  sudden  inspiration  came  to  me  and  I 
said: 

' '  Never  mind  the  gate.  Just  watch  my  horse  take 
that  fence." 

Driving  the  spurs  into  the  animal,  now  that  I  had  a 
good  excuse  for  doing  so,  he  rushed  at  the  fence, 
bounded  over  it  like  a  deer,  and  dashed  down  the  lane 
in  a  mad  gallop  which  was  kept  up  until  we  reached 
the  main  road.  Here,  feeling  pretty  safe,  I  pulled  up 
and  opened  my  coat  to  cool  off,  and  soon  reached  camp. 

When  my  nerves  had  recovered  their  tone  I  felt 
rather  ashamed  of  myself,  and  was  very  glad  that  none 
of  the  boys  had  seen  the  dreadful  funk  I  was  in. 

What  opinion  the  farmer  and  his  family  formed  of 
my  queer  actions  I  don't  know,  for  I  very  carefully 
avoided  him  thereafter  when  he  was  about  the  camp, 
and  during  the  rest  of  our  stay  in  that  locality  I  kept 
within  the  lines. 


II 


THE  FOURTH  NEW  YORK  BATTERY 

ITS  FORMATION,  ITS  SERVICES,  AND  ITS  DISSOLUTION 


CHAPTER   I 

Organization — On  to  Washington 

ETURNING  home  after  a  ser 
vice  of  three  months  in  the 
field,  very  much  dissatisfied 
with  the  manner  in  which 
my  brief  military  career  had 
terminated,  my  former  re 
solve  to  organize  a  Battery 
now  occupied  my  whole  time 
and  energies. 

In  the  early  days  of  1861, 

organizing  and  equipping  companies  of  light  artillery 
was  no  small  undertaking  ;  the  State  authorities  fur 
nished  but  little  help  in  the  way  of  information,  so  that 
progress  in  that  direction  was  necessarily  pretty  slow. 
My  first  intention  was  to  attach  the   Battery  to  a 


34  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

regiment  of  infantry  then  being  raised  by  Col.  John 
Cochran,  believing  it  was  necessary  that  batteries 
should  be  thus  attached.  At  this  time  independent 
batteries  had  not  been  heard  of,  so  far  as  I  knew. 

On  the  fifteenth  day  of  August,  1861,  I  enrolled  the 
first  man  and  sent  him  over  to  Staten  Island,  a  rendez 
vous  for  State  troops,  and  by  September  4th  thirty- 
seven  men  were  mustered  into  the  State  service. 

The  company  under  State  regulations  was  now  enti 
tled  to  elect  a  captain  and  a  first  lieutenant. 

Joseph  K.  Nairn  of  New  York  City,  who  had  served 
in  Varian's  Battery,  was  selected  for  the  latter  position 
and  myself  for  that  of  Captain. 

The  men  were  sent  down  to  Staten  Island  as  soon  as 
they  were  mustered,  and  commenced  drilling  without 
delay.  About  this  time  I  learned  that  Col.  E.  W. 
Serrell  was  raising  a  regiment  of  engineers,  and  as 
recruiting  was  not  brisk,  a  proposition  to  attach  the 
Battery  to  this  organization,  which,  as  represented, 
would  entitle  the  men  to  the  same  pay  as  that  of  first- 
class  engineers,  was  readily  accepted  by  me.  Large  post 
ers  setting  forth  that  authority  had  been  obtained  from 
the  War  Department  by  Colonel  Serrell  to  organize  a 
regiment  of  engineers  with  a  battery  attached  and  all  to 
receive  pay  as  first-class  engineers,  were  furnished  me 
by  the  regimental  organization  and  used  in  good  faith ; 
and  every  man  who  enlisted  thereafter  in  the  Battery 
was  informed  that  while  his  duty  would  be  that  of  an 
artillerist  his  pay  would  be  the  same  as  that  received 
by  the  engineer  corps,  viz.  :  $17.00  a  month  (a  misap 
prehension,  as  shown  by  the  sequel). 

Mr.  J.  Courtland  Parker,   a  young  graduate  of  the 


ORGANIZATION.  35 

New  York  bar  and  a  nephew  of  Mr.  Parrott,  enlisted 
in  the  company  with  the  understanding  that  he  would 
be  commissioned  as  second  lieutenant,  jr.,  and  his 
uncle,  Mr.  Parrott,  presented  six  ten-pounder  rifled 
guns,  with  two  hundred  rounds  of  ammunition  per 
piece,  to  the  company,  whereupon  it  was  decided  to 
name  the  organization  "The  Parrott  Battery."  After 
consulting  with  our  generous  donor  it  was  arranged  to 
have  each  gun  stamped  with  this  name — after  a  selection 
had  been  made.  Mr.  Parrott  insisted  that  each  piece 
should  be  thoroughly  tested  before  the  stamp  was  ap 
plied.  Several  guns,  I  will  not  undertake  to  say  how 
many,  were  transported  from  the  foundry  to  the  target 
ground.  Here  one  at  a  time  they  were  mounted  and 
thoroughly  tested  as  to  range  and  accuracy.  Three  or 
four  days  were  devoted  to  this  work,  when  the  guns 
were  finally  left  at  the  foundry  subject  to  my  order. 

Recruiting  posts  were  opened  at  Oswego  and  Carmel, 
N.  Y.,  and  by  October  24th,  1861,  one  hundred  and 
thirty-six  men  and  five  (prospectively)  commissioned 
officers  were  borne  upon  the  company  roll ;  before  this, 
however,  Col.  E.  W.  Serrell  left  the  rendezvous  on 
Staten  Island  with  a  part  of  the  regiment  and  sailed 
for  Port  Royal,  S.  C. 

I  now  relied  entirely  upon  such  instructions  as  were 
from  time  to  time  received  from  the  headquarters  of 
the  regiment.  Realizing  that  the  date  of  our  departure 
was  near,  I  applied  at  regimental  headquarters  in  New 
York  for  final  instructions  and  was  directed  to  report 
to  General  Marcy  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  who,  it  was 
said,  understood  all  the  particulars  regarding  the 
organization  of  the  Battery  and  its  connection  with  the 


36  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

regiment,  and  would  have  the  former  forwarded  to 
Port  Royal  to  join  the  latter.  Mr.  Parrott  was  re 
quested  to  ship  the  guns  to  Washington. 

Everything  being  ready  by  October  24th,  I  called  at 
the  Adjutant-General's  Office,  State  of  New  York,  in 
Walker  Street,  to  get  an  order  on  the  Quartermaster- 
General  for  transportation.  But  before  I  had  an  oppor 
tunity  to  make  known  the  nature  of  my  business,  Gen 
eral  Hillhouse  called  me  into  his  private  office  and  in 
the  presence  of  my  ist  sergeant,  E.  S.  Smith,  made  the 
following  proposition : 

"Captain,"  said  he,  "how  would  you  like  to  have 
your  Battery  brigaded  with  three  other  companies  now 
on  the  island  ?  I  intend  to  form  a  batallion  of  artillery 
under  the  name  of  *  The  Morgan  Light  Artillery ' ;  you 
have  the  largest  company  and  I  will  commission  you  a 
major  and  give  you  the  command." 

I  replied,  ' '  General,  I  could  not  think  of  it !  My 
men  have  been  enlisted  under  the  impression  and  prom 
ise  that  they  would  receive  the  same  pay  as  first-class 
engineers,  by  reason  of  authority  said  to  have  been 
given  to  Colonel  Serrell  by  the  authorities  in  Washing 
ton.  By  accepting  your  proposition  it  would  appear  as 
though  I  had  bettered  my  position  at  the  expense  of  the 
men,  who  have  been  enlisted  under  this  inducement." 

"  Very  well,"  said  the  General,  "  I  merely  mentioned 
it  to  you  as  a  matter  of  courtesy.  I  propose  to  do  it." 

Bidding  the  General  good-day,  I  took  my  'leave, 
without  asking  for  the  transportation  order,  and  has 
tened  down  to  the  office  of  Col.  D.  D.  Tompkins,  Q.  M. 
G. ,  No.  6  State  Street  (relying  upon  a  slight  acquaint 
ance  obtained  through  an  introduction  from  his  son,  a 


'  ON  TO   WASHINGTON.  37 

lieutenant  in  the  U.  S.  Cavalry),  to  try  and  obtain  trans 
portation  for  my  company  to  Washington,  without  an 
order  from  the  State. 

The  Colonel  promptly  complied  with  my  request, 
saying:  "Bring  your  men  here  to-morrow  and  I  will 
have  the  papers  ready." 

From  here  I  hastened  to  the  Island  and  arranged  to 
have  all  men  who  were  absent  notified  of  our  intended 
departure  on  the  day  following.  Every  man  was  on 
hand,  and  my  scheme  to  run  away  the  command  from 
the  State  of  New  York  proved  highly  successful.  I 
felt  proud  of  the  achievement,  believing  I  had  acted  an 
unselfish  part  to  benefit  the  men  and  fulfill  the  promises 
made  to  them.  We  left  Jersey  City  about  6  p.  M.,  Oc 
tober  25th. 

At  Philadelphia  a  committee  from  the  Merchants' 
and  Mechanics'  Association  met  us  at  midnight  and  es 
corted  the  company  to  the  dining  rooms  of  the  associa 
tion,  where  a  very  acceptable  and  timely  repast  served 
by  the  wives  and  daughters  of  said  Merchants  and 
Mechanics  was  highly  appreciated  by  those  renegades 
who  were  escaping  from  their  State  to  serve  the  flag. 

At  Baltimore  some  kind  persons  under  the  auspices 
of  a  few  loyal  women,  I  have  since  learned,  furnished 
coffee  to  the  boys  while  they  were  lounging  on  the  plat 
form  waiting  for  cars  to  carry  them  to  the  Capital. 
Here,  after  a  wearisome  delay  of  several  hours,  some  old 
cattle  cars,  reeking  with  filth,  were  run  up,  which  we 
were  informed  constituted  our  train.  I  forbade  the 
men  entering,  declaring  we  would  march  the  entire  dis 
tance  on  foot  before  I  would  consent  to  have  them  oc 
cupy  cars  unfit  for  animals.  There  was  no  fun  about 


38  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

my  kick  and  I  fear  my  language  may  have  been  more 
vigorous  than  elegant;  be  that  as  it  may,  it  was  not 
very  long  before  decent  cars  were  provided,  and  the 
trip  to  Washington  was  completed  after  consuming 
twenty-six  hours  en-route. 

On  the  27th  I  reported  our  arrival  to  General  Marcy, 
explaining  the  particulars,  as  he  was  apparently  ignor 
ant  of  the  existence  of  such  an  organization  as  the  regi 
ment  with  a  battery  attached.  He  referred  me  to  Gen. 
B.  F.  Barry,  Chief  of  Artillery,  who  at  once  informed 
me  that  it  was  contrary  to  orders  for  mounted  troops  to 
be  attached  to  regiments  of  foot,  but  advised  me  to  lay 
the  subject  before  the  men,  telling  them  they  could  not 
serve  as  light  artillerists  and  receive  pay  as  first-class 
engineers,  but  if  they  wished  he  would  mount  the  com 
pany  as  a  light  battery;  otherwise  they  would  be  sent 
to  the  regiment,  but  not  as  a  battery.  He  further  said 
that  by  consenting  to  be  mounted  at  that  time  the  men 
would  not  be  prevented  from  joining  their  regiment  at 
some  future  period,  provided  Congress  passed  a  law 
legalizing  the  attachment  of  artillery  to  infantry. 

This  question  was  plainly  and  fully  discussed  by  the 
men,  who,  after  one  or  two  days  consumed  in  delibera 
tion,  decided  to  accept  the  proposition  to  be  mounted 
as  a  battery  of  light  artillery,  reserving  the  right  to 
join  the  regiment  under  the  foregoing  provisions.  All 
but  thirteen  men  agreed  to  these  terms. 

During  this  time  the  company  was  quartered  in  the 
"  Soldiers'  Retreat,"  but  now  General  Barry  issued  for 
age-wagons,  and  tents,  minus  poles  and  pins — the  latter 
were  procured  from  the  woods  near  the  Eastern  Branch 
— and  we  soon  were  in  quarters  at  "Camp  Duncan," 
East  Capitol  Hill. 


ON  TO   WASHINGTON.  39 

I  made  an  application  to  General  Barry  for  the  six 
guns  forwarded  by  Mr.  Parrott;  to  my  surprise  I  was 
informed  that  the  guns  had  been  issued  and  that  I  could 
not  have  them  under  any  consideration.  This  was  a 
grievous  disappointment  and,  I  then  thought,  a  piece 
of  rank  injustice,  but  the  inflexible  reins  of  military 
discipline  were  beginning  to  tighten  on  us,  and  objec 
tions  to  orders  were  futile  and  dangerous. 

We  had  our  first  company  muster  for  pay  November 
ist,  made  by  Captain,  now  General,  Gibbon,  U.  S.  Ar 
tillery.  Battery  "  D,"  N.  Y.  Light  Artillery,  was  the 
name  given  us  by  General  Barry,  and  a  few  weeks  later 
it  was  changed  to  Battery  "  C."  The  officers'  commis 
sions  were  held  back  by  the  State  authorities,  conse 
quently  the  organization,  so  far  as  the  State  was  con 
cerned,  was  without  a  name  or  number.  General  Barry 
communicated  with  the  State  Adjutant-General,  and 
finally  declared  unless  our  commissions  were  forwarded 
without  delay,  he  would  muster  the  company  as  U.  S. 
troops. 

In  response  to  this  the  commissions  were  received 
and  the  organization  designated  as  the  4th  New  New 
Independent  Battery. 

We  were  actively  engaged  at  Camp  Duncan  in  daily 
drilling  as  drivers  and  cannoneers,  dismounted,  as  there 
were  neither  spare  horses  nor  guns  in  the  District.  We 
waited  with  what  patience  we  could,  till  the  Govern 
ment  would  be  able  to  supply  us. 

One  day,  in  the  early  part  of  November,  I  called  on 
General  Barry,  and,  to  my  surprise,  he  said,  without 
looking  up:  "Captain,  I  am  going  to  break  up  Battery 
"C,"  Chicago  Light  Artillery,  which  is  near  your 


40  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

camp,  and  have  prepared  an  order  for  Captain  Busteed 
to  turn  over  to  you  all  ordnance  and  quartermaster's 
stores  now  in  his  possession;  be  very  careful  and  inspect 
the  property  before  receipting  for  it. ' ' 

During  the  delivery  of  these  instructions  Captain 
Busteed  himself  entered  and  was  a  listener  to  the 
greater  part  of  General  Barry's  remarks.  Turning  in 
his  seat  General  Barry  faced  him  and  at  once  repeated 
the  substance  of  the  order,  which  he  held  in  his  hand. 

Before  sunset  I  was  in  possession  of  a  complete  six- 
gun  battery,  composed  of  four  ten-pounder  Parrotts  and 
two  six-pounder  brass  field  pieces,  and  one  hundred  and 
thirty-two  horses.  I  also  secured  eight  enlisted  men, 
and  with  a  swelling  heart  I  found  myself  at  last  the 
proud  commander  of  a  splendidly  equipped  Battery, 
ready  for  duty  in  the  great  army  gathered  at  the  Capital. 

Now  we  began  work  in  earnest.  We  were  all  la 
mentably  deficient  in  knowledge  of  our  duties,  but  we 
possessed  the  means  of  informing  ourselves,  viz. :  a  book 
of  instructions  in  artillery  tactics,  issued  by  the  Gov 
ernment,  and  we  were  not  too  proud  to  consult  it.  I 
never  gave  an  order  which  I  could  not  explain — if  I 
blundered  the  men  were  not  censured  for  it;  if  requested 
by  an  inspecting  officer  to  execute  a  maneuvre  with 
which  I  knew  the  men  were  not  familiar,  I  would 
frankly  admit  that  they  had  not  been  instructed  in  that 
particular  movement,  and  so  were  not  competent  to 
execute  it  properly. 

I  speak  of  this  trifling  matter  because  I  have  seen 
battery  commanders  who  issued  orders  during  inspec 
tion  and  on  the  drill  field,  not  understanding  or  being 
competent  to  explain  the  same,  and  then,  assuming  to 


ON   TO   WASHINGTON.  4! 

be  much  annoyed,  they  would  declare  that  the  men 
of  their  command  were  so  stupid  that  it  was  difficult  to 
beat  anything  into  their  thick  skulls. 

I  also  have  personal  knowledge  of  two  captains  of 
batteries  who  were  most  righteously  discharged  by 
reason  of  an  attempt  to  thus  vilify  their  men,  to  hide 
their  own  ignorance. 

When  it  happened  that  the  men  of  my  command  did 
not  understand  matters  appertaining  to  their  duties,  the 
fault  was  mine.  I  had  failed  to  properly  instruct  them. 
I  venture  the  assertion  that  this  reasoning  holds  good 
in  ninety-nine  similar  cases  out  of  every  hundred. 

Before  10  o'clock  A.  M.,  November  24,  one  of  Gen 
eral  Barry's  aides  brought  me  a  verbal  message  that  the 
General  would  review  and  inspect  the  Battery  at  4 
p.  M.  We  were  ready  for  him  when  the  time  arrived, 
passing  in  review  at  a  walk  and  trot  without  a  mishap  ; 
after  this,  inspection,  and  a  talk  with  the  cannoneers 
to  get  an  idea  of  their  general  intelligence.  Then 
the  General,  turning  to  me,  stated  that  he  had,  during 
his  experience,  inspected  batteries  which  had  been  in 
service  as  many  years  as  we  had  weeks,  which  had  not 
pleased  him  so  much.  "Can  you,"  he  added,  "be 
ready  to  march  by  5  o'clock  to-morrow  morning?  " 

I  replied,  ' '  Certainly  ! ' ' 

Fortunately,  I  had  a  large  quantity  of  hay  and  grain 
on  hand  which  would  serve  us  for  the  march,  to  which 
I  called  his  attention.  '.'  O,  well,  you  must  take  it  with 
you,"  said  he,  "I  will  send  the  wagons  in  charge  of  a 
wagon-master  to  report  to-night.  Your  destination  is 
Budd's  Ferry,  lower  Maryland,  where  you  will  report  to 
'General  Hooker." 


42  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

The  boys  were  wild  with  delight  to  get  a  chance  to  go 
to  the  field,  and  began  their  preparations  at  once. 

We  crossed  the  Eastern  Branch  before  sunrise  on  the 
25th  of  November,  a  cool,  crisp  morning,  and  after  a 
pleasant  march  through  the  bleak  hills  of  Maryland 
reached  Budd's  Ferry  at  6  o'clock  p.  M.  on  the  28th, 
and  when  the  bugle  sounded  "  drivers  dismount,"  and 
a  moment  later  "unhitch  and  unharness,"  we  went  into 
what  proved  to  be  our  winter  quarters. 

It  may  be  noted  just  here  that  General  Barry's  warm 
praise  had  the  effect  of  inspiring  confidence  in  the 
whole  company.  Park  and  field  drills  were  zealously 
practiced  during  the  winter,  and  the  company  could 
execute  every  maneuvre  in  the  book  before  our  de 
parture  on  the  Peninsula  campaign  in  March,  1862. 


WINTER  QUARTERS  IN  LOWER  MARYLAND.    43 


CHAPTER   II 

Winter  Quarters  in  Lower  Maryland — Incidents 

jURING  our  stay  at  Budd's 
Ferry  our  time  was  prin 
cipally  occupied  in  per 
forming  picket  duty  op 
posite  Shipping  Point 
battery.  The  enemy  had 
captured  the  old  river 
steamboat  George  Page, 
and  kept  her  behind  a  small  strip  of  land,  in  one  of 
the  streams  which  enter  the  Potomac  at  this  point,  for 
the  purpose  of  securing  any  vessels  that  might  be  dis 
abled  by  their  batteries. 

To  offset  this,  General  Hooker  caused  a  hole  to  be 
dug  on  the  edge  of  the  river  bank  near  the  "  Budd  " 
house  (directly  opposite  the  outlet  to  the  stream  in 
which  the  Page  was  stationed),  large  enough  for 
two  field  pieces.  Planks  were  laid  for  the  gun  carriages 
to  rest  on,  to  enable  the  gunners  to  make  some  calcu 
lation  as  to  range  and  elevation.  Here  one  section  of 
artillery  was  constantly  stationed  during  the  blockade, 
to  counteract  and  prevent  the  Page  from  interfering 
with  Union  vessels,  should  occasion  arise. 

It  is  needless  to  say  that  she  did  not  leave  her  moor- 


44  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

ings  once  while  the  blockade  lasted,  and  was  burned 
.by  the  enemy  when  it  was  raised. 

This  picket  duty  offered  an  excellent  opportunity  for 
practice  in  gunnery.  A  perfect  range  of  the  works 
across  the  river  was  obtained,  and  we  soon  became 
quite  expert  in  placing  our  shots  just  about  where  we 
wished.  On  more  than  one  occasion  have  I  driven  the 
sentry  from  the  parapet  by  the  accuracy  of  the  aim ; 
the  distance  was,  I  think,  about  two  thousand  yards, 
and  our  annoyance  was  so  great  to  the  enemy,  at  times, 
that  they  would  return  our  fire  with  an  apparent 
determination  to  annihilate^  us.  Sometimes  the  large 
shells  would  nearly  fill  with  sand  the  hole  we  occupied, 
but  they  could  not  put  a  shot  into  it,  at  least,  they  did 
not. 

During  these  spasmodic  attacks  we  would  hug  the 
bottom  of  the  pit,  and  when  their  fire  ceased  we  would 
open  up  and  tantalize  them  again.  Reliefs  took  place 
under  cover  of  night,  leaving  the  carriages  in  rear  of 
the  *  Budd  ' '  house  during  the  day. 

I  remember  visiting  this  post  one  night ;  the  moon 
was  shining  brightly  and  it  was  expected  there  would 
be  some  fun,  for  there  was  little  doubt  but  some  enter 
prising  Yankee  skipper  would  try  to  run  the  blockade. 
We  were  not  disappointed,  for  at  one  time  white  sails 
appeared  to  cover  the  surface  of  the  water  as  far  as  the 
eye  could  reach,  all  going  up  stream.  They  sailed  very 
near  the  Maryland  shore,  while  the  channel  is  on  the 
other  side. 

They  were,  of  course,  plainly  visible  from  the  other 
side,  and  the  firing  from  the  forts  there  was  very  rapid, 
but  no  damage  was  done  to  any  vessel  so  far  as  known- 


INCIDENTS.  45 

I  heard  one  fellow  sing  out,  "Fire  away,  you  pesky 
cusses,  you  can  't  hit  anything  "  ;  and  each  time  a  shot 
would  pass  over  or  go  near  his  schooner  he  would  yell 
and  ridicule  the  inaccuracy  of  the  enemy's  aim.  At 
last  a  shot  passed  through  one  of  his  sails,  which  seemed 
to  paralyze  him  for  a  moment,  but  recovering  his  voice 

he  shouted  to  his  fellow  sailors,  "  I  '11  be  d d  if  they 

did  n't  put  a  shot  through  my  sail."  After  that  he 
kept  silent. 

While  we  lay  here  the  famous  passage  of  the  Pensa- 
cola  occurred,  now  a  matter  of  history.  We  had  been 
informed  of  her  coming  and  consequently  were  on  the 
qui  vive.  The  night  was  dark  and  from  out  the  gloom 
came  a  low,  swishing  sound  caused  by  the  steam  being 
nearly  shut  off,  I  presume ;  but  we  heard  the  sound 
before  we  could  see  her.  Great  anxiety  prevailed 
among  those  present  as  to  the  success  of  the  passage. 
Scarcely  a  word  was  spoken,  while  the  cannonading 
was  very  heavy  from  all  the  enemy's  works.  It  did 
not  seem  possible  that  a  ship  of  her  size  could  escape 
1 '  scot ' '  free.  No  one  seemed  to  hope  for  this. 

The  explosion  of  shells  between  our  shore  and  the 
Pensacola  was  appalling ;  the  earth  was  torn  up  along 
the  river  bank  where  the  shot  plunged,  giving  it  the 
appearance  of  an  ancient  potato  field  after  digging 
time. 

We  had  no  means  of  knowing  at  the  time  how  much 
or  how  little  damage  was  done —  we  only  knew  that  the 
dark  mass  of  shadow  continued  on  her  course,  and  that 
was  enough  to  relieve  the  terrible  strain  endured  for 
many  minutes. 

In  this  connection  I  remember  that  in  the  winter  of 


46  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

'62-' 63,  while  marching  from  Manassas  to  Falmouth, 
Va.,  with  Hooker's  old  Division,  then  under  command 
of  Gen.  D.  K.  Sickles,  we  camped  one  night  at  Dum 
fries,  Va. ,  about  five  miles  as  the  crow  flies,  from  Budd's 
Ferry,  Md.  Here  we  were  informed  that  all  the  gun 
ners  who  participated  in  the  bombardment  of  the  Pen- 
sacola  were  imprisoned  by  the  Confederates  for  their 
failure  to  cripple  her.  And  in  this  same  town  I  saw  a 
solid  Parrott  shot  which  one  of  the  citizens  had  picked 
up  in  the  street  the  preceding  winter  and  kept  as  a  relic. 
I  was  informed  that  this  shot  had  been  fired  from  Budd's 
Ferry,  Md.  The  4th  New  York  Battery  had  the  only 
Parrott  guns  stationed  at  this  post  during  the  period 
the  shot  was  said  to  have  been  fired.  I  was  surprised 
to  learn  that  a  projectile  could  be  propelled  through  the 
air  so  great  a  distance  by  these  guns. 

The  first  winter  of  our  military  career  was  passed  in 
lower  Maryland  on  Mr.  Posey's  farm,  our  camp  being 
about  a  mile  back  from  the  river.  General  Hooker  ad 
vised  Mr.  Posey  to  collect  his  rails  and  pile  them  near 
his  house,  and  he  (General  Hooker)  would  have  a  guard 
placed  over  them. 

This  was  done  but,  in  some  manner  never  explained, 
the  rails  were  not  to  be  found  in  the  spring.  Several 
paths  leading  from  the  spot  once  occupied  by  the  rail 
pile  were  visible  to  the  naked  eye,  but  alas  the  rails  had 
vanished.  How  the  guards  accounted  for  the  total 
disappearance  of  their  charge  I  do  not  know.  The 
First  Mass.  Volunteers,  Battery  "H";  istU.  S.  Artil 
lery,  Battery  "  D  " ;  ist  New  York,  and  Smith's  Battery 
were  all  located  on  this  farm. 

One  fact  worthy  of  mention  is  that  Mr.  Posey  had 


INCIDENTS.  47 

not  made  friends  with  the  boys.  For  instance,  at  the 
time  we  located  on  his  premises  some  of  the  men  found 
two  sucking  pigs,  very  small,  which  they  took  to  their 
cabins  and  fed  on  condensed  milk  with  a  spoon  until 
old  enough  to  eat  other  food.  These  pigs  became  great 
pets,  and  when  old  enough  followed  the  horses  to  and 
from  water  and  would  show  fight  if  a  horse  refused  to 
let  them  have  a  share  of  oats  or  corn  while  feeding. 
When  half  grown  one  was  kicked  to  death  by  a  horse; 
the  other,  black  as  coal,  roamed  at  will,  rigged  out  in 
a  cover  made  from  a  scarlet  saddle  blanket. 

I  frequently  received  reports  from  the  ist  Mass,  camp 
concerning  the  conduct  of  his  pig-ship,  whose  freedom 
in  officers'  quarters  was  the  talk  of  the  camp.  He 
stoutly  resisted  any  attempt  to  remove  him.  Mr.  Posey 
heard  that  we  had  a  shoat  in  camp  and  straightway 
put  in  a  claim  of  ownership,  which  could  not  be  well 
denied,  as  the  animal  was  found  on  the  premises.  But 
we  knew  the  pig  owed  his  life  to  the  care  and  attention 
of  those  who  had  raised  him. 

These  facts  were  laid  before  Mr.  Posey  when  he  came 
with  two  slaves  to  assist  him  in  taking  possession.  He, 
however,  refused  to  argue  the  matter,  and  armed  with 
authority  from  General  Hooker  demanded  that  the  pig 
be  delivered  up.  I  offered  to  pay  any  price  he  might 
ask  in  reason  rather  than  order  the  men  to  surrender 
their  pet.  His  only  reply  was,  ' '  I  want  my  property." 

"Go  and  take  it,"  I  answered  finally.  He  told  his 
slaves  how  to  proceed,  and  the  boys  of  the  Battery, 
who  fully  understood  my  sentiments,  were  not  slow  in 
devising  a  way  to  solve  the  problem  and  settle  the 
difficulty. 


48  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

They  at  once  offered  to  help  catch  the  object  of  all 
this  contention,  so  about  fifty  men  started  in  hot  pur 
suit  of  the  pig,  managing,  however,  to  keep  near  the 
negroes,  and  whenever  one  of  the  latter  was  in  the  act 
of  stooping  to  seize  a  leg,  several  men  would  acci 
dentally  rush  against  and  send  him  heels  over  head. 
Mr.  Posey  after  fuming  and  fretting  over  the  ridiculous 
spectacle,  requested  me  to  order  the  men  away,  which 
I  declined  to  do.  It  was  very  evident  that  the  Yankees 
were  going  to  retain  possession  for  the  time  being.  So 
hostilities  ceased,  not  to  be  renewed. 

I  might  add  that  Mr.  Pig  lost  his  life  at  Hampton, 
Va.,  when  following  the  horses  to  water.  He  was 
killed  by  a  New  York  lancer,  who  was  ignorant  of  the 
fact  that  he  was  a  Battery  pet.  After  some  loud  talk 
ing  the  matter  was  disposed  of  by  the  men  of  the  Bat 
tery  dressing  and  roasting  ' '  Pat, ' '  whose  untimely  end 
was  regretted  by  none  more  than  myself. 

Another  appendage  to  the  Battery  was  in  the  shape 
of  a  white  bull  dog  named  Chauncey,  brought  from 
New  York  by  some  member  of  the  company.  Chaun 
cey  was  very  useful.  He  too  had  a  scarlet  cover,  and 
while  sitting  on  an  ammunition  chest  during  a  march, 
as  was  his  wont,  his  general  appearance  was  such  as  to 
increase  one's  respect  for  the  canine  family.  Chauncey 
was  never  frolicsome,  always  sedate  and  dignified. 

The  many  cabins  with  green  hides  stretched  over 
rafters  for  a  roof  bore  evidence  to  his  skill  in  catching 
and  holding  cattle  till  they  were  disposed  of  without  the 
usual  noise  made  by  shooting,  a  dangerous  proceeding 
where  a  provost  guard  was  in  the  neighborhood. 

Some  people  lost  cattle  in  the  vicinity  of  Budd's 


INCIDENTS.  49 

Ferry  and  reported  the  fact  to  General  Hooker.  An 
investigation  followed,  and  the  hides  referred  to  caused 
the  occupants  of  the  cabins  so  covered  to  be  placed  in 
arrest.  A  court  was  in  session  in  Posey's  house,  and  the 
men  were  ordered  for  trial.  I  felt  apprehensive,  fearing 
the  evidence  was  too  convincing.  Lieut.  Parker  assured 
me  there  was  no  cause  for  worriment. 

"I  am  going  to  defend  the  boys,  and  clear  them, 
too,"  said  he. 

This  statement  proved  to  be  correct  in  the  end,  but 
how  it  was  accomplished  I  never  learned. 

This  recalls  another  little  incident,  although  it 
occurred  some  months  later. 

In  August,  1862,  when  near  Bottom's  Bridge,  on  our 
retreat  from  Harrison's  Landing,  Va.,  after  going  into 
camp  one  afternoon,  Generals  Hooker  and  Heintzel- 
man  rode  forward  to  inspect  the  crossing  at  the  river, 
when,  unexpectedly,  four  men  carrying  two  sheep 
emerged  from  the  high  corn  near  the  roadside,  which  had 
hidden  them  from  view.  Too  late  they  discovered  the 
presence  of  the  Generals,  so  they  boldly  faced  the  music. 

1 '  Where  did  you  get  those  sheep  ? ' '  asked  General 
Hooker,  pointing  in  the  direction  of  a  brick  house;  one 
of  the  men  replied,  "Over  there."  "Very  well,"  said 
the  General,  ' '  take  them  back,  but  first  give  me  j^our 
names." 

This  was  apparently  done  and  a  memorandum  made. 
"Ah!"  exclaimed  Hooker,  "I  see,  you  belong  to 
'Smith's  thieves'"  (a  nick-name  he  had  given  them 
after  the  cattle  trial;  but  he  used  to  say,  "they  have 
a  redeeming  quality — they  will  fight !  ");  "well,  report 
yourselves  in  arrest  to  Captain  Smith." 


50  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

The  men  started  off  towards  the  brick  house,  while 
the  Generals  continued  their  journey. 

Next  day,  while  marching  through  the  dust  and 
heat,  I  heard  some  cheering,  caused,  as  I  soon  learned, 
by  General  Hooker  and  staff  riding  along  our  flank  to 
reach  the  front.  He  asked  one  of  the  staff  officers  the 
name  of  the  Battery  and  sent  for  me.  Riding  out  from 
the  road  I  reported. 

"Captain,"  said  he,  "did  four  of  your  men  report 
for  the  guard-house  last  night  for  sheep  stealing  ? ' ' 

"No,  sir,"  was  my  answer;  but  I  thought  of  the 
mutton  chops  enjoyed  the  night  before.  He  drew  from 
his  pocket  an  old  envelope  and  read  off  the  names  of 
the  culprits,  as  he  supposed,  which  he  had  written  down 
the  day  before. 

"General,"  I  said,  "there  must  be  some  mistake; 
the  names  you  have  mentioned  are  not  on  my  rolls. ' ' 

He  stared  at  me  a  moment,  while  a  smile  crept  over 
his  handsome  face;  then  realizing  how  he  had  been 
duped,  he  could  not  resist  a  broad  grin,  ending  the  in 
terview  by  adding — "The  d d  rascals." 


YORKTOWN. 


CHAPTER    III 

Yorktown . 

B  left  Lower  Maryland  in  March, 
1862,  bound  south.  It  re 
quired  three  schooners 
to  transport  the  horses 
and  the  drivers,  while 
the  cannoneers  and 
carriages  were  put  on 
board  an  old  ferry  boat. 
A  part  of  the  expedi 
tion  was  storm-bound  at  Point  Lookout,  while  the 
balance  went  on  to  Hampton  Roads — the  schooners, 
with  our  horses,  included. 

After  the  storm  had  ceased  the  vessels  that  had  re 
mained  at  Point  Lookout  started  for  Fortress  Monroe, 
but  as  we  approached  the  mouth  of  Cheeseman's  Creek  a 
steamer  from  the  fort  met  the  head  of  the  fleet  and 
turned  our  course  up  the  creek,  where  we  disembarked. 
The  news  of  the  destruction  wrought  to  vessels  an 
chored  in  Hampton  Roads  by  the  Rebel  ram  Merrimac 
filled  us  with  alarm  for  the  safety  of  those  who  were  on 
the  schooners.  We  plainly  heard  the  booming  of  the 
cannon  while  the  terrible  conflict  raged. 

Our  suspense  during  the  few  days  separation  which 


52  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

intervened  was  intense;  not  one  word  could  we  get  in 
the  way  of  information  regarding  those  who  were  ab 
sent.  I  feared  the  worst,  believing  two-thirds  of  my 
men  had  fallen  victims  without  the  means  of  firing  one 
shot  in  defense;  but  the  arrival  of  Lieutenant  Nairn 
with  every  man  and  horse  caused  great  rejoicing  in  our 
camp.  He  had  marched  across  country  from  Hampton. 

We  now  moved  up  near  Yorktowii  to  take  part  in  the 
siege  of  that  historic  place.  During  our  stay  here  the 
Battery  was  in  continual  active  service. 

Our  last  night  here  was  spent  on  picket  duty.  To 
me  this  was  the  most  trying  night  I  remember.  The 
ground  pointed  out  to  me  where  the  Battery  was  to 
take  position  was  in  front  of  and  about  eight  hundred 
yards  distant  from  the  famous  Red  Redoubt,  and  in 
front  of  the  Federal  battery  known  as  No.  3,  on  the  left 
of  the  Union  line. 

I  placed  the  Battery  in  the  woods  near  by  until  night 
to  prevent  the  enemy  from  discovering  our  close  prox 
imity.  I  also  caused  some  dry  corn  stalks  to  be  re 
moved  from  the  field  where  we  were  to  take  position,  to 
avoid  making  unnecessary  noise  by  the  carriages  pass 
ing  over  them.  This  seemed  to  be  prudent,  as  the 
enemy's  sharpshooters  were  known  to  occupy  positions 
in  rear  of  a  cluster  of  standing  chimneys,  located  nearly 
midway  between  the  lines,  all  that  was  left  of  some 
structure  which  had  been  given  to  the  flames. 

After  dark,  by  moving  one  carriage  at  a  time,  the 
Battery  was  finally  located  as  directed  by  the  Division 
Chief  of  Artillery,  accompanied  with  instructions  to 
protect  Battery  No.  3,  in  the  event  of  a  sortie  by  the 
enemy.  (It  was  undoubtedly  a  mistake  to  place  the 


YORKTOWN.  53 

battery  in  this  exposed  position  before  it  was  required; 
it  should  have  been  posted  in  rear  of  the  works.) 

On  this  particular  night  the  Federal  commander  ap 
peared  to  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  enemy  were 
intending  to  make  a  move,  and  our  army  was  disposed 
so  as  to  defend  the  unfinished  works  along  our  front. 

The  enemy  did  move,  but  in  another  direction  from 
that  expected  by  us.  While  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
was  preparing  to  repel  an  assault  upon  its  front,  the 
Confederates  were  making  tracks  towards  Williams- 
burg,  after  arranging  to  keep  up  a  continual  cannon 
ade  from  their  works  for  many  hours  during  the  night 
to  cover  their  retreat.  This  ruse  was  successful. 
When  the  Federals  moved  forward  next  morning  there 
was  not  one  Confederate  soldier  found  in  the  fortifica 
tions  of  York  town.  This  ended  the  siege  of  thirty 
day's  duration. 

All  through  this  dreadful  night  we  were  exposed  to 
this  fire,  and,  unused  to  such  demonstrations,  it  was  our 
firm  conviction  that  the  foe  intended  to  come  forth  from 
His  lair  and  give  us  battle.  Hence,  every  shot,  with 
lighted  fuse  attached,  by  which  it  couli  be  traced,  trav 
eling  in  our  direction,  was  eagerly  watched  until  its 
destination  had  been  reached.  Some  fell  short,  while 
others  passed  over  us,  as  good  fortune  would  have  it, 
and  notwithstanding  the  close  calls  made  by  some  of 
the  many  shells  fired  from  mortars  and  huge  guns,  we 
received  no  damage  beyond  being  frightened  half  out 
of  our  wits. 

Just  before  dawn  I  withdrew  the  Battery  out  of  range 
and  awaited  results.  I  had  no  orders  for  this  move 
ment  but  acted  on  my  own  responsibility. 


54  A   FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

When  it  became  light  enough  to  see,  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  was  found  to  be  in  line  of  battle  about  eight 
hundred  yards  in  the  rear,  thus  placing  my  battery  be 
tween  the  two  lines.  And  here  occurred  an  incident 
that  might  have  had  very  serious  results  to  all  con 
cerned.  Captain  Griffin,  U.  S.  Artillery,  whose  bat 
tery  was  in  rear  of  my  position,  rode  forward  and  or 
dered  me  to  remove  my  command,  saying  he  intended 
to  shell  the  enemy.  I  informed  him  that  I  had  received 
my  orders  from  General  Hooker.  He  said  he  would 
fire  over  our  heads  if  I  did  not  withdraw.  I  replied,  ' '  If 
you  do,  I  will  return  the  fire."  Returning  to  his  Bat 
tery  he  gave  the  order  to  load,  and  I  reversed  my  guns. 
At  this  moment  one  of  General  Hooker's  aides  came 
dashing  up  and  directed  me  to  fall  back. 

I  can  not  say  at  this  late  day  what  would  have  been 
the  consequences  if  Captain  Griffin  had  carried  out  his 
threat.  Reporting  to  General  Hooker  he  asked  what 
I  was  doing  out  there.  I  said,  "  your  Chief  of  Artillery 
is  responsible  for  the  predicament  from  which  you  have 
just  extricated  me." 

"  My  God  !  "  he  muttered,  "  Can  't  I  find  any  one 
to  carry  out  an  order  intelligently  ?  " 

Returning  to  camp  preparations  were  made  for  our 
usual  Sunday  morning  inspection,  and  a  brand  new 
uniform  was  donned  in  honor  of  the  occasion  ;  in  fact 
never  after,  during  my  service,  was  I  so  gorgeously 
arrayed.  lyight  colored  kids,  light  boots  and  sky-blue 
trousers,  made  up  the  most  conspicuous  part  of  my 
attire. 

I  had  just  commenced  inspection  when  the  Chief  of 
Artillery  rode  into  the  park  and  ordered  me  to  pull  out 


YORKTOWN.  55 

at  a  trot,  saying,  "  Yorktown  is  evacuated  and  we  are 
going  to  pursue  the  enemy." 

I  prided  myself  on  promptness,  and  at  once  gave  the 
necessary  orders,  detailing  a  sergeant  and  six  men  to 
strike  camp  and  follow  with  camp  equipage,  etc. 

The  weather  was  fine,  so  I  left  without  an  overcoat, 
expecting  everything  would  be  up  by  night. 

Before  leaving  camp,  having  started  the  Battery 
ahead,  I  visited  the  hospital.  Here,  one  of  our  men, 
a  fine  young  fellow,  named  Kilby,  appealed  to  me  with 
tears  in  his  eyes  to  be  taken  with  us,  but  the  surgeon 
in  charge  informed  me  that  his  condition  was  serious, 
if  not  dangerous,  and  that  it  would  be  madness  to 
grant  his  request.  Reluctantly  I  was  compelled  to 
refuse.  Poor  boy,  he  did  not  long  survive  our  departure, 
he  died  four  days  later. 

Another  man  (Charlton)  who  was  in  the  hospital  for 
treatment,  with  glistening  eyes  and  quivering  lips  asked 
to  be  taken  in  the  ambulance.  The  surgeon  not  object 
ing,  I  consented. 

These  matters  do  not  appear  to  contain  much  of  in 
terest  to  the  general  public;  there  is,  however,  a  sequel 
which  will  explain  the  motive  for  entering  into  details 
as  to  my  dress  and  the  hospital  episode  as  to  Charlton. 

Hastening  on  I  overtook  the  command  before  enter 
ing  the  works  at  Yorktown.  Here  the  advance  column 
of  the  army  seemed  to  meet  with  some  obstacle.  Later 
on  we  learned  that  buried  torpedoes  were  scattered  pro 
miscuously  in  the  works  around  the  guns  left  mounted 
on  the  parapets;  in  fact,  some  of  our  troops  had  been 
killed  by  the  explosion  of  concealed  shells,  before  the 
necessary  warning  could  be  given.  After  this,  every 


56  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

foot  of  the  road  over  which  we  marched  was  carefully 
inspected  by  experienced  engineers,  who  found  many 
shells  buried  along  the  entire  route,  leaving  a  small 
wire  exposed  two  or  three  inches  above  the  ground, 
which,  being  struck  by  the  foot  of  man  or  beast  would 
cause  an  explosion. 

The  engineers  marked  the  location  of  these  shells  by 
sticking  into  the  ground  by  the  side  of  the  wire  a  small 
branch  eighteen  or  twenty  inches  high,  with  a  piece  of 
colored  cloth  fastened  at  the  top.  (This  refers  to  hidden 
torpedoes  along  each  side  of  the  road;  those  that  were 
buried  in  the  middle  of  the  road  were  removed.) 


r^WoWi$£& 

IHI 


pagp^ssv^g 

vtlipr 

?^-/" 


Pf.AN   OF  THK    BAT'IXK    OF    WII.LIAMSBURG.      FROM    SKETCH 
MADK   BY   THK   AUTHOR    AT  THK   TIME. 


GENERAL  HOOKER. 


57 


CHAPTER  IV 


.If* 


WHEN  night  came  on  we 
had  made  just  about  one-half 
the  distance  from  Yorktown  to 
Williamsburg.  Our  battery, 
ranking  second  in  the  Divis 
ion,  was  the  last  in  the  line  of 
march  of  Division  artillery. 

It  had  commenced  to  driz 
zle  at   dark  and  this  soon 

developed  into  a  violent  rain  storm  which  lasted  most 
of  the  night.  After  a  long,  wearisome  pull  we  were 
halted  in  front  of  a  brick  church,  subsequently  made 
famous  as  a  prominent  point  in  the  line  of  march,  and 
remained  there  in  the  darkness  and  rain  until  midnight, 
awaiting  orders. 

The  Battery  was*  then  moved  into  an  adjacent  field 
and  the  men  were  allowed  to  obtain  such  rest  as  they 
could.  With  the  aid  of  the  tarpaulins  they  managed 
to  construct  fairly  comfortable  shelters.  I  had  a  rather 
cheerless  time,  principally  owing  to  the  absence  of  my 
overcoat,  which  I  had  rather  thoughtlessly  left  behind 
with  the  baggage. 


5  8  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

But  the  longest  night  has  an  ending  and  at  daylight 
we  swung  out  on  the  road  again  and  took  our  place  in 
the  marching  column,  without  a  mouthful  of  food  for 
man  or  beast. 

At  6  A.  M.,  sharp  firing  in  front  gave  notice  that  the 
enemy  had  made  a  stand. 

The  Battery,  notwithstanding  the  horrible  roads, 
moved  forward,  until  it  reached  a  cross  road,  near  the 
church  above  alluded  to.  Here  we  found  a  forage  train 
mired  in  the  mud  and  blockading  the  road.  The  only 
way  to  get  by  was  to  cut  a  passage  through  the  woods, 
which  I  decided  to  do,  and  the  axes  of  the  Battery 
were  at  once  set  in  motion  by  the  men,  who  were  wet 
to  the  skin,  cold  and  hungry,  but  willing  and  anxious 
to  do  their  whole  duty. 

While  they  were  thus  engaged  I  rode  forward  to 
report  the  situation  to  General  Hooker.  I  found  him 
in  front  of  Fort  Magruder  just  in  the  rear  of  Battery 
"H,"  First  U.  S.  Artillery,  and  Bramhall's  6th  New 
York  Independent  Battery,  which  were  posted  near  the 
edge  of  the  felled  timber,  and  vigorously  engaged. 

I  stated  our  condition  to  him  and  the  difficulty 
experienced  in  getting  through.  Without  turning  his 
eager  gaze  from  the  front  he  said  quietly  : 

"Well,  Captain,  I  do  n't  think  you  '11  be  needed,  but 
get  up  as  soon  as  possible." 

Returning,  I  found  the  roads  almost  impassable, 
teams  being  doubled  every  few  rods  to  extricate  gun- 
carriages  from  the  mud  holes,  while  horses,  wagons  and 
men  seemed  mixed  up  in  irretrievable  confusion. 

By  noon  a  road,  or  rather  a  passageway,  had  been  cut 
through  the  dense  woods  for  half  a  mile,  and  by  vigor- 


GENERAL  HOOKER.  59 

ous  exertion,  and,  I  am  afraid,  much  profanity,  five  of 
our  guns  and  caissons  were  got  through. 

It  was  now  between  i  and  2  o'clock  p.  M.,  and  Gen 
eral  Hooker's  lines  were  fully  a  mile  away.  Just  as 
we  had  got  clear  of  our  improvised  road  I  met  Lieu 
tenant  Abbott,  aide  to  General  Hooker,  with  verbal  in 
structions  from  the  General  to  hasten  forward. 

The  guns  were  then  passed  in  front  of  the  caissons, 
and  the  drivers  ordered  to  urge  the  horses  with  whip 
and  spur.  The  road  we  were  now  on  was  new  and 
narrow  and  bore  evidence  of  having  been  recently  opened 
by  cutting  away  the  underbrush  and  trees  through  a 
strip  of  heavy  timber,  and  was  so  arranged  that  the 
guns  of  Fort  Magruder  covered  it. 

As  we  were  struggling  forward  I  found  Capt.  Chaun- 
cey  McKeever,  General  Heintzelman's  Adjutant-Gen 
eral,  actively  engaged  in  posting  a  line  of  cavalry  to 
check  the  retreat  of  disorganized  troops  whose  faces 
were  turned  in  the  wrong  direction.  When,  we  came 
up  he  shouted  to  me  an  order  to  turn  my  guns  upon 
these  "stragglers,"  though  I  do  n't  think  that  term 
could  properly  apply  to  men  who  had  been  fighting 
since  6  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Rightly  judging  that 
this  was  only  a  ruse  of  the  captain  to  command  the  at 
tention  of  the  weary  and  disheartened  soldiers,  I  disre 
garded  the  orders  and  continued  the  march,  through 
masses  of  wounded  men,  some  being  assisted  by  com 
rades,  while  others  were  hobbling  along  as  best  they 
could  trying  to  reach  the  field  hospital.  But  a  more 
terrible  sight  to  us,  about  to  engage  in  our  first  battle, 
were  the  numerous  dead  who  lay  where  they  had  fallen 
in  the  skirmish  of  the  advance  in  the  morning. 


60  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

The  hospital,  and,  near  by,  General  Heintzelman's 
headquarters  (in  the  saddle)  were  passed  ;  two  hundred 
yards  further  on  I  found  General  Hooker  in  the  middle 
of  the  road,  without  an  aide  or  an  orderly  in  sight. 

* '  Where  are  you  going,  Captain  ?  "  he  asked. 

"To  the  front,"  was  my  answer. 

"  My  God !  There  is  no  front,"  he  exclaimed.  "Can 
you  go  in  battery  here  ? ' ' 

The  guns  were  in  column  of  pieces  on  a  narrow  road 
not  more  than  twenty-five  feet  wide,  the  carriages  sunk 
to  the  naves  in  mud,  but  at  the  command  ' '  Action 
front ! ' '  after  the  General  had  pointed  out  the  direction 
from  which  to  expect  the  enemy,  the  boys  promptly 
and  coolly  executed  the  maneuvre,  forming  a  line  par 
allel  with  the  road  with  two  sections,  while  one  howit 
zer  covered  the  road  leading  to  the  fort. 

From  the  muzzles  of  the  four  guns  to  the  edge  of 
the  wood  opposite  the  distance  was  not  greater  than 
twenty  yards,  and  from  this  point  we  looked  for  an 
attack. 

As  many  of  Hooker's  infantry  were  still  somewhere 
in  the  woods,  we  had  to  exercise  great  precaution  not 
to  fire  upon  our  own  men,  who  were  being  forced  back 
by  the  Confederate  advance. 

The  guns  were  double  shotted  with  canister,  the  men 
standing  in  the  position  of  "  Ready."  And  now  came 
the  most  trying  ordeal  to  which  a  soldier  can  be  sub 
jected.  Our  instructions  were  not  to  fire  until  the 
enemy  came  in  sight,  and  if  we  failed  to  repulse  to 
spike  and  surrender.  This  was  made  necessary  by 
the  condition  of  the  roads.  We  could  neither  retreat 
nor  advance,  and  as  the  horses  were  not  needed  they 


WILLIAMSBURG.  6 1 

were  sent  to  the  rear,  thus  relieving  fifteen  drivers  from 
the  expected  storm  of  bullets. 

And  then,  while  the  men  stood  to  their  pieces,  strain 
ing  their  eager  eyes  to  pierce  the  thick  brush  in  front, 
a  dropping  fire  was  opened  on  us  by  sharpshooters  com 
pletely  hidden  from-  view,  resulting  in  the  killing  of 
one  gallant  fellow,  Robert  C.  Lowrie — the  last  man 
recruited  for  the  Battery,  who  had  joined  us  at  Phila 
delphia  and  been  mustered  in  at  Washington.  He 
dropped  at  his  gun  and  was  sent  to  the  field  hospital, 
where  he  died.  In  another  moment  brave  Corporal 
Riker  tumbled  over,  mortally  wounded,  and  then  Pri 
vate  George  Cipperly  suddenly  fell  from  his  horse,  with 
a  sharp  cry,  and  was  carried  to  the  rear.  In  quick 
succession  John  B.  Johnston  and  Robert  Shaw  dropped 
badly  wounded. 

This  murderous  fire  from  an  invisible  enemy  was  a 
severe  trial  to  men  who  had  never  yet  been  in  the  front 
of  battle,  especially  as  no  defense  could  be  made,  but 
the  Battery  boys  stood  to  their  posts  manfully  and 
quietly  awaited  orders. 

The  guns  occupied  a  position  upon  a  knoll  on  the 
side  of,  and  elevated  about  three  feet  above,  the  road. 
Near  the  edge  of  the  bank  General  Hooker  sat  upon 
his  horse,  calmly  watching  the  progress  of  affairs,  while 
General  Heintzelman  had  gathered  a  few  musicians 
and  drummers  at  the  field  hospital  near  by,  who,  under 
his  orders  to  "  Play  Hail  Columbia  and  Yankee  Doodle 
and  drum  like  hell,"  were  doing  their  level  best  to 
make  up  in  noise  what  they  lacked  in  music. 

Presently  through  the  underbrush  we  could  see  the 
legs  of  a  mass  of  men  hurriedly  getting  into  line,  their 


62  A  FAMOUS    BATTERY. 

bodies  and  faces  being  concealed  by  the  leaves  and 
branches,  and  it  was  quite  evident  that  they  were  form 
ing  for  a  charge.  Now  was  the  decisive  moment,  and 
cautioning  the  men  in  a  low  voice  as  to  what  was  ex 
pected  of  them,  I  gave  the  order  "Commence  firing  !  " 
A  sheet  of  flame,  a  terrific  roar,  followed  by  three  more 
rounds,  double  shotted  with  canister,  as  fast  as  they 
could  be  fired  without  sponging,  and  then,  enveloped  in 
smoke,  we  awaited  with  intense  anxiety  the  result. 

It  was  as  gratifying  to  us  as  it  was  disastrous  to  the 
enemy.  They  had  been  swept  away  like  chaff  before 
the  wind,  and  none  were  left  but  the  dead  and  wounded, 
who  littered  the  ground  in  front  of  us. 

At  our  first  round  General  Hooker's 
horse  reared  and  tumbled  over  the  em 
bankment  into  the  road.  I  feared  that 
a  "rotten  shot"  had  struck  him,  but  it 
turned  out  that  the  sudden  report  had 
startled  the  animal,  and  before  the  Gen 
eral,  a  splendid  horseman,  could  control 
him  he  was  over  the  bank,  landing  his  rider  in  the  mud 
and  falling  partially  on  him.  Some  of  the  boys  rushed 
to  his  assistance,  but  he  extricated  himself  and  quickly 
assuring  them  that  he  was  not  injured,  remounted  and 
road  away. 

The  report  of  our  guns  had  attracted  the  attention  of 
the  watchful  enemy  in  Fort  Magruder,  and  they  instantly 
opened  on  us,  sending  their  compliments  in  the  shape 
of  six-pound  balls  during  the  rest  of  the  day.  But 
their  range  was  poor  and  they  did  little  damage.  We 
replied  to  them,  besides  shelling  the  woods  wherever 
there  were  indications  that  an  attempt  was  being  made 
to  re-form  their  lines. 


WILLIAMSBURG.  63 

As  before  related,  I  was  in  full  dress  uniform,  yellow 
kids,  etc.,  which  I  had  donned  for  the  inspection  at 
Yorktown  the  day  before,  when  we  were  so  suddenly 
ordered  to  the  front.  My  trousers  were  now  torn  and 
my  whole  suit  soiled  with  the  mud  and  rain,  for  the 
skies  poured  down  an  incessant  shower  the  whole  day, 
and  having  neither  rubber  nor  overcoat  I  know  that  I 
must  have  presented  a  rather  bizarre  appearance,  es 
pecially  with  the  bright  yellow  kids,  which  fitted  so 
tightly  that  I  had  not  taken  the  time  to  remove  them, 
so  when,  during  the  afternoon,  Gen.  Phil.  Kearney,  the 
most  reckless,  daring,  general  officer  that  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  ever  had,  came  riding  up,  in  advance  of 
his  Division,  to  the  Battery,  which  presented  the  only 
semblance  of  a  line  in  sight,  his  quick  eye  took  in  the 
situation  at  a  glance.  Briskly  dashing  up,  he  halted 
near  me,  and  looking  me  over  from  head  to  foot,  he 
burst  out: 

"  Well,  you're  a  d d  fine  looking  peacock  !  Who 

the  devil  are  you  ?  ' ' 

I  laughed,  and  we  were  soon  exchanging  news.  After 
a  short  conversation  he  requested  me  to  cease  firing 
until  he  rode  out  to  the  felled  timber  to  get  a  better  view 
of  the  situation.  I  gave  the  order,  and  in  a  moment  he 
was  off  up  the  road  at  full  speed,  his  horse  sending  a 
perfect  shower  of  mud  in  all  directions. 

He  returned  in  a  few  minutes  and  asked  me  to  ad 
vance  a  section  of  guns  to  the  felled  timber  in  order  to 
shell  some  infantry  that  were  visible  from  there,  but 
added: 

"  Wait  until  I  see  you  again,"  and  started  back  to 
urge  forward  his  troops.  He  returned  with  a  small  de- 


64  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

tachment  which  he  placed  in  the  woods  opposite  us,  and 
then  hurried  up  another  squad  and  so  soon  established 
his  division  in  a  new  line.  While  thus  occupied  he 
noticed  a  lot  of  soldiers  gathering  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
Battery,  without  officers,  and  in  a  sharp  tone  of  voice  he 
asked: 

1 '  What  troops  are  you  ?' ' 

"Jersey,"  was  the  reply. 

"What  brigade?" 

'  *  Second, ' '  was  answered. 

' '  Where  are  your  officers  ? ' ' 

' '  We  haven't  any, ' '  was  the  rather  sullen  rejoinder. 

"Well ! "  shouted  Phil.  "  I  am  a  one-armed  Jersey 
son-of-a-gun,  follow  me !  Three  cheers !  " 

And  swinging  his  cap  around  his  head,  he  succeeded 
in  infusing  new  life  into  these  weary,  worn-out  heroes, 
who  had  held  their  ground  while  a  cartridge  could  be 
obtained  from  the  boxes  of  their  fallen  comrades,  then 
slowly  retired  until  they  reached  the  Battery.  But  they 
were  too  loyal  to  continue  their  retrograde  movement 
while  there  was  a  show  for  making  a  stand,  and  they 
followed  General  Kearney  across  the  road  and  into  the 
woods  with  an  answering  cheer,  and  without  a  round  of 
ammunition  among  them. 

He  directed  me  to  take  my  Battery  where  the  men 
could  rest,  and  then  just  at  sunset,  when  the  rain  had 
ceased  and  the  clouds  parted  and  the  whole  western 
horizon  was  luminous,  he  led  his  division  to  the  charge 
through  the  gloomy,  rain-soaked  woods. 

It  took  but  a  few  minutes  to  reach  the  enemy,  who 
had  watched  these  preparations  and  were  ready  for 
them. 


WIUJAMSBURG.  65 

They  encountered  a  terrible  fusilade  to  which,  from 
scarcity  of  ammunition,  they  could  make  but  a  feeble 
reply,  and  so  were  forced  back,  but  the  cautious  Con 
federates,  smarting  from  their  fearful  experience  of  a 
few  moments  before,  did  not  follow. 

It  was  now  growing  late,  and  the  disorganized  sol 
diers  belonging  to  other  commands  came  back  to  the 
Battery,  not  knowing  where  else  to  go,  I  presume. 
The  General  ordered  them  to  form  in  the  rear  of  the 
guns  as  a  support,  which  the  brave,  patient  fellows  at 
once  did. 

As  there  was  no  likelihood  of  any  further  hostilities 
during  the  night,  the  Battery  was  collected  and  the  car 
riages  parked  in  an  open  field  about  four  hundred 
yards  in  rear  of  the  position  we  had  occupied  in  the 
morning,  and  the  worn  out,  half-famished  men,  who  had 
eaten  nothing  since  the  day  before,  proceeded  to  make 
themselves  as  comfortable  as  possible  for  the  night.  The 
tarpaulins  were  utilized  to  sleep  on,  while  a  sort  of  shed, 
covered  with  poles  and  brush,  was  put  up  for  the  officers 
in  the  adjoining  woods.  In  front  of  this  was  built  a 
large  fire,  kept  burning  during  the  night  by  forming 
five  colored  servants  into  reliefs  of  two  hours  each. 
With  a  rail  for  a  pillow  and  a  saddle  blanket  for  pro 
tection  from  the  wet  ground,  and  feet  to  the  fire,  we 
slept  the  sleep  of  utter  exhaustion  on  the  battle  field. 


66  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 


CHAPTER    V 

Official  Reports — Some  Misstatcments  Corrected 

MAY  6th  opened  clear  and  warm.  It  was  now  remem 
bered,  with  many  pangs,  that  our  fast  had  not  been 
broken  since  the  morning  of  the  4th.  Appearances 
were  not  encouraging,  but  some  of  the  men  were 
mounted  and  dispatched  to  search  for  our  wagons  and 
bring  up  at  least  some  boxes  of  hard  tack  if  nothing 
else,  and  others  were  sent  out  to  forage  in  a  quiet  way. 

The  officers  were  not  so  well  provided  for  in  the  way 
of  rations  as  the  men,  relying,  as  they  were  forced  to 
do,  upon  the  commissary,  or  what  could  be  purchased 
from  the  farmers.  I  managed,  however,  to  capture 
three  hogs  and  a  steer  found  roaming  in  the  woods, 
which  were  hastily  butchered  and  carried  into  camp. 

By  this  time  some  hard  tack  and  coffee  were  brought 
up,  which,  together  with  the  meat  cooked  on  spits, 
furnished  a  meal  which  in  our  exhausted  condition 
seemed  fit  for  a  king. 

The  officers'  servants  had  secured  a  few  eggs,  and 
borrowing  coffee  and  hard  tack  from  the  men,  we  were 
able  to  dine  several  officers  whose  situation  was  more 
deplorable  than  our  own. 

Before  night  we  marched  into  Williamsburg  all  in 
good  shape.  On  the  route  a  Confederate  soldier  was 


OFFICIAL   REPORTS.  67 

discovered  in  the  southern  edge  of  the  woods  upon  the 
northern  side  of  which  we  had  fought  the  day  before. 
He  was  without  arms  and  we  soon  had  him  in  charge. 
He  stated  that  his  captain  and  a  comrade  were  hidden 
in  the  woods  both  badly  wounded;  that  he  had  left 
them  to  obtain  food.  I  directed  him  to  lead  the  way 
to  his  captain,  taking  several  men  and  a  stretcher  with 
us :  by  a  loud  shouting  we  managed  to  find  their  loca 
tion.  Some  of  my  men  succeeded  in  climbing  a  steep 
hill,  reaching  the  captain  ahead  of  me,  and  to  them  he 
had  surrendered  his  sword.  As  he  had  on  a  linen 
duster  and  trousers  inside  of  drawers,  without  any 
insignia  of  office  in  sight,  I  asked  why  he  sought  to 
hide  his  rank.  He  replied  that  he  had  heard  that  we 
shot  all  officers  captured,  and  this  was  his  reason. 

I  returned  his  sword,  gave  him  refreshment  from  a 
canteen,  with  some  hard  tack,  placed  him  on  the 
stretcher,  as  he  was  too  weak  to  walk,  and  the  boys 
carried  him  more  than  half  a  mile  to  the  road.  The 
wounded  enlisted  man  was  able  to  walk. 

I  reported  and  turned  over  to  General  Hooker's  pro 
vost  marshal  my  prisoners.  I  think  the  name  of  the 
captain  was  Ward,  belonging  to  an  Alabama  regiment, 
probably  the  5th.  Before  parting  he  assured  me  of  his 
sincere  belief  that  they  (the  Confederates)  were  fight 
ing  their  friends  instead  of  their  enemies,  a  belief  we 
entertained  from  the  beginning,  but  it  took  four  years  of 
hard  fighting  to  convince  a  majority  of  the  Confederate 
Army. 

Referring  to  the  part  taken  by  the  Battery  in  this 
battle,  with  all  the  lights  now  before  me  obtained  from 
the  published  reports  in  the  Rebellion  Records  not  acces- 


68  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

sible  heretofore,  I  have  reason  to  regret  my  failure  to 
make  a  report  at  the  time. 

Not  being  in  possession  of  these  facts  until  their  pub 
lication,  as  stated,  it  was  impossible  to  make  an  earlier 
correction  of  some  misleading  statements  made  at  the 
time.  General  Hooker  handed  me  a  copy  of  his  official 
report  while  the  Division  was  in  camp  near  Bottom 
Bridge,  and  asked  my  opinion  of  that  part  referring  to 
the  Battery.  I  thought  it  well  enough  so  far  as  it  went, 
but  said  it  did  not  do  justice  to  the  service  rendered  by 
the  men  at  a  critical  time,  when  the  Battery  was  pushed 
forward  to  meet  the  advance  of  the  foe  who  were  flushed 
with  the  advantage  gained  by  reason  of  the  Federal 
infantry  running  out  of  ammunition;  that  the  position 
was  considered  in  the  nature  of  a  "forlorn  hope,"  the 
character  of  our  orders,  ' '  to  double-shot  with  canister, 
and  if  we  did  not  repulse  to  spike  and  surrender," 
plainly  indicated;  furthermore,  that  this  check  to  the 
enemy  enabled  General  Kearney  to  establish  his  lines, 
thereby  contributing  in  no  small  degree  to  the  victory 
which  followed. 

My  disappointment  was  expressed  in  a  respectful 
manner,  as  to  the  neglect  to  properly  mention  the  value 
of  the  services  rendered  by  the  action  of  the  Battery. 
(For  myself  the  reward  was  on  a  par  with  my  deserts.) 

To  this  the  General  replied,  ' ' I  could  not  say  more 
without  making  it  look  as  if  the  Division  was  '  ske 
daddling.  '  ' '  The  paragraph  in  the  report  referring  to 
the  Battery  is  this: 

*  *  *  "  While  this  was  going  on  in  front,  Cap 
tain  Smith,  by  a  skillful  disposition  of  his  Battery,  held 
complete  command  of  the  road,  which,  subsequently, 


OFFICIAL  REPORTS.  69 

by  a  few  well-directed  shots,  was  turned  to  good  ac 
count.  ' ' 

As  before  stated,  the  Battery  was  placed  in  position 
under  the  General' s  supervision .  Now  note  the  remarks 
of  his  Chief  of  Artillery  in  his  official  report,  to  wit: 

"HEADQUARTERS  DIVISION   ARTILLERY,  HOOKER'S   DIVISION, 

"CAMP  NEAR  WiiyiviAMSBURG,  May  7,  1862. 

"  Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  lay  before  the  Gen 
eral  commanding  this  Division  the  following  report  as 
to  the  part  taken  by  the  batteries  under  my  command 
in  the  battle  of  the  5th  instant: 

"  Being  in  rear  of  the  infantry,  we  camped  about  i 
o'clock  that  morning,  two  batteries  about  half  a  mile 
this  side  of  King's  Creek  and  two  the  same  distance  on 
the  other  side.  By  6  o'clock  that  morning  we  were  en 
route,  Battery  "H,"  ist  U.  S.  Artillery,  Captain  Web 
ber,  and  Battery  "  D,"  ist  New  York  Artillery,  Captain 
Osborn,  being  in  advance;  Captain  Bramhall's  6th  New 
York  Battery  about  a  mile  in  rear. 

"On  arriving  at  the  front  I  at  once,  by  the  General's 
direction,  ordered  Captain  Webber  to  place  his  guns  in 
battery  —  one  on  the  road  just  at  the  corner  of  the 
felled  timber  which  lay  on  its  left,  another  some  twenty 
yards  in  rear  of  this,  and  the  other  four  in  a  field  on  the 
right  of  the  road.  They  were  immediately  got  into 
position,  but  while  the  first  section  in  the  road  was  be 
ing  unlimbered,  Lieut.  Chandler  P.  Eakin  was  shot  down 
close  by  my  side  and  Lieut.  Horace  L.  Pike  near  the 
second  piece,  as  also  two  of  the  privates.  The  drivers 
of  the  limbers  taking  fright,  as  also  some  of  the  cannon 
eers,  they  fell  back  about  a  hundred  yards  to  the  rear  of 
the  pieces.  Aided  by  Captain  Webber  and  ist  Sergeant 
(William  A.)  Harn,  I  tried  to  urge  and  drive  them  for 
ward  to  their  guns,  but  did  not  succeed  in  .getting  a 
sufficient  number  up  to  open  fire.  I  then  went  back  to 
Captain  Osborn' s  four-gun  Battery  which  had  come  up, 


70  A  FAMOUS  BATTKRY. 

and  called  for  volunteers  to  aid  in  manning  these  pieces. 
Every  cannoneer  at  once  sprang  to  the  front,  and  headed 
by  their  officers,  opened  fire  from  four  of  Battery  "  H  "  's 
guns,  while  at  the  same  time  Captain  Webber  got  some 
fifteen  or  eighteen  of  his  men  at  the  other  two.  The 
rain  was  falling  fast  at  the  time,  rendering  it  impossible 
to  see  the  exact  position  of  the  enemy.  Our  fire  was 
directed  in  reply  to  some  pieces  on  the  works  about 
seven  hundred  yards  directly  in  our  front,  and  at  a  part 
of  a  field  battery  to  our  front  and  left,  which  appeared 
to  be  in  the  open,  but  which  I  have  since  ascertained  was 
in  a  sunken  redoubt. 

1 '  Half  an  hour  later  Captain  Bramhall  came  up  and 
I  immediately  ordered  him  to  take  position  in  the  field 
to  the  right  of  the  other  guns,  which  he  did  in  a  most 
soldier-like  manner.  The  ground  in  this  field  was 
exceedingly  soft  and  full  of  stumps,  so  that  he  was  only 
able  to  get  five  of  his  guns  in  battery.  Our  men  soon 
got  the  range  and  distance  of  the  enemy,  and  in  half 
an  hour  more  silenced  their  guns  entirely.  They  did 
not  fire  from  the  works  in  front  except  occasional  shots 
again,  until  later  in  the  afternoon,  but  about  10  o'clock 
they  opened  again  from  the  sunken  redoubt  and  from 
another  still  farther  to  the  left.  Finding  that  these 
shots  were  enfilading  some  of  my  pieces,  I  moved  my 
right  wing  forward  in  eschelon,  and  by  noon  we  had 
again  silenced  them  so  effectually  that  their  next  effort 
to  open  fire  about  an  hour  later  was  a  very  weak  one. 

"  My  men  had  now  been  in  the  open  under  fire,  not 
only  of  the  guns  we  had  silenced,  but  of  a  very  severe 
fire  of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  for  some  seven  hours, 
and  were  greatly  fatigued.  As  all  had  been  quiet  for 
some  time,  I  rode  to  the  rear  to  hasten  up  Captain 
Smith's  4th  New  York  Battery,  which  had  been  kept 
back  by  the  bad  roads  and  the  baggage  wagons  of  other 
divisions.  It  was  while  I  was  absent  on  this  duty  that 
the  infantry  supporting  me  abandoned  the  felled  timber 
on  my  left,  leaving  my  batteries  entirely  exposed  on 


OFFICIAL   REPORTS.  71 

that  flank.  They  (the  enemy)  came  upon  us  over  this 
timber,  driving  the  men  from  the  guns,  which  were 
badly  mired,  and  having  lost  a  large  number  of  horses 
we  were  unable  to  bring  them  off.  Captain  Bramhall 
gallantly  fought  his  pieces  until  the  battery  on  his  left 
was  fairly  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  when,  finding 
that  his  men  were  exposed  not  only  to  the  fire  of  the 
•advancing  foe  but  also  to  the  return  fire  of  his  support 
on  the  right  he  ordered  his  men  to  fall  back.  The 
enemy  keeping  possession  of  a  portion  of  the  felled 
timber  on  our  left  prevented  any  attempt  again  to  work 
or  remove  these  pieces. 

"So  soon  as  I  got  Captain  Smith's  Battery  up  I 
placed  four  of  his  guns  in  eschelon  on  a  knoll  to  the 
right  of  the  road,  just  within  the  woods,  and  loaded 
with  canister,  to  be  ready  in  case  the  enemy  should 
attempt  to  charge  down  the  road.  This  was  done 
about  a  half  an  hour  later.  When  the  head  of  their 
column  had  approached  to  within  some  one  hundred 
and  fifty  yards,  we  opened  fire  on  them  and  effectually 
stopped  their  advance.  Directly  after  this  we  suffered 
severely  from  single  men  of  this  column  who  had  taken 
positions  in  ^he  felled  timber  on  the  line  of  the  road, 
four  or  five  of  the  cannoneers  falling  at  the  advanced 
piece  until  General  Kearney  furnished  me  with  a  com 
pany  of  sharpshooters  as  a  support.  After  this  charge 
was  repelled  the  battery  was  not  seriously  engaged, 
only  firing  occasional  shells  in  the  direction  of  the 
works  in  front  and  on  our  left,  which  had  again  opened 
fire.  At  sunset,  with  the  General's  permission,  I  with 
drew  my  two  remaining  batteries,  leaving  Captain 
Thompson,  Chief  of  Artillery  in  Kearney's  Division,  in 
charge  of  the  position. 

' '  I  regret  exceedingly  to  be  obliged  to  report  the  loss 
of  four  of  Battery  "  H  "  's  guns  and  one  caisson,  which 
were  carried  off  by  the  enemy  when  they  had  posses 
sion.  Captain  Bramhall' s  guns  were  so  deeply  mired 
that  they  did  not  succeed  in  moving  them.  I  have 


72  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

also  to  report  the  loss  of  four  men  killed  and  two  offi 
cers  and  eighteen  enlisted  men  wounded,  a  full  list  of 
which  is  appended.  The  enemy  carried  off  forty 
horses  with  the  guns,  and  we  have  as  many  more  left 
dead  in  the  field,  besides  a  number  wounded  and  miss 
ing. 

' '  I  have  reason  to  be  satisfied  with  the  conduct  of  my 
officers  generally.  Captain  Webber,  who  only  joined  his 
command  since  our  arrival  at  Ship  Point,  showed  great 
bravery  in  urging  his  men  to  the  guns;  Lieutenants 
Kakin  and  Pike  fell  well  to  the  front  at  the  first  fire  of 
the  enemy.  Captain  Bramhall's  conduct  was  that  of 
an  experienced  officer,  having  his  men  in  perfect  com 
mand,  and  such  as  fully  sustained  his  gallantry  at 
Ball's  Bluff  last  October.  He  was  seconded  by  all  his 
lieutenants  and  men.  Captain  Osborn  and  his  lieuten 
ants  in  this  their  first  engagement  gave  promise  of  mak 
ing  brave  and  efficient  officers.  I  would  especially  men 
tion  among  the  enlisted  men  Sergeants  Harn  and 
(John)  Doran  and  privates  (Daniel)  Barry  and  (Daniel) 
Con  way  of  Battery  "H,"  and  privates  (John)  Shoe 
maker  and  (George  O.)  Westcott  of  Battery  "D,"  as 
having  done  particularly  good  service.  Captain  Os 
born' s  and  Captain  Smith's  Batteries  are  still  in  condi 
tion  for  service,  Captain  Bramhall's  lacking  horses,  and 
Captain  Webber's  both  horses  and  pieces.  *  *  * 
"(Signed)  C.  S.  WAINWRIGHT. 

"Major  and  Divisio?i  Chief  of  Artillery" 

To  my  mind  it  is  clear  that  a  little  prejudice  existed 
somewhere.  The  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  in  the 
Division  artillery  was  twenty-four,  to  wit:  Battery  "  H," 
ist  U.  S.  Artillery:  killed,  two  enlisted  men;  wounded, 
two  officers  and  six  enlisted  men.  Battery  "D,"  ist 
New  York:  killed,  one  enlisted  man  and  seven  wounded. 
Fourth  New  York  Battery:  one  enlisted  man  killed 


OFFICIAL  REPORTS.  73 

and  five  wounded  (two  dying  in  hospital).     Sixth  New 
York  Battery  report  no  casualties. 

The  reference  made  to  the  "four  or  five  men  who  fell 
at  the  advanced  pieces,"  and,  "  After  the  charge  was 
repelled  the  Battery  was  not  seriously  engaged,  only 
firing  occasional  shells  in  the  direction  of  the  works  in 
front  and  on  our  left,  which  had  again  opened  fire," 
could  not  be  told  in  a  less  effective  manner  if  the  writer 
intended  to  belittle  the  efforts  of  the  men  who  actually 
repulsed  the  enemy's  charge. 

The  statement  as  to  the  distance,  viz. :  "one  hundred 
and  fifty  yards,"  and  the  direction,  "down  the  road," 
is  at  variance  with  my  recollection,  and,  I  believe,  the 
facts. 

There  was  an  apparent  difference  of  opinion  between 
Generals  Hooker  and  Kearney  regarding  an  infantry 
support  to  the  Battery.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  the  only 
support  was  that  improvised  by  General  Kearney 
alluded  to  before.  His  finding  the  Battery  without 
infantry  support  may  have  created  the  belief  that  the 
artillerists  had  been  driven  from  their  guns  during  a 
brief  cessation  of  cannonading  when  there  was  no 
enemy  in  sight.  At  such  times  the  cannoneers  were 
directed  to  step  back  into  the  woods  to  avoid  exposure 
to  the  bullets  of  a  few  isolated  sharpshooters  whose  fire 
could  not  be  returned  by  the  Battery.  The  absence  of 
an  infantry  support  compelled  the  adoption  of  this 
method  as  the  next  best  means  of  protection;  but  at  no 
time  was  the  fire  of  our  guns  discontinued  by  reason  of 
the  close  proximity  of  the  enemy  in  force,  nor  were  the 
men  driven  from  their  pieces;  on  the  contrary,  they  stood 
ready  to  and  did  defend  them  at  all  times. 


74  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

General  Kearney  says: 

' '  This  duty  was  performed  by  officers  and 
men  with  superior  intrepidity,  and  enabled  Major  Wain- 
wright  of  Hooker's  Division  to  collect  his  artillerists 
and  reopen  fire  from  several  pieces. ' '  (The  artillerists 
of  this  Battery  were  not  scattered.) 

To  this  paragraph  General  Hooker  replied  in  a  sup 
plemental  report,  as  follows: 

"  My  attention  has  been  called  to  that  part  of  Briga 
dier-General  Kearney's  official  report  of  the  battle  of 
Williamsburg,  which  states,  '  and  enabled  Major  Wain- 
wright  of  Hooker's  Division  to  collect  his  artillerists 
and  reopen  fire  from  several  pieces, '  and  I  give  it  my 
positive  and  emphatic  denial.  This  statement  admits 
of  no  application  to  any  battery  of  mine  except  Smith's, 
and  I  deny  that  any  men  of  his  were  driven  from  their 
pieces,  or  that  the  fire  from  his  battery  was  suspended 
from  the  proximity  or  fire  of  the  enemy's  skirmishers 
at  any  time  during  that  day.  I  request  that  this  state 
ment  may  be  forwarded  in  order  that  it  may  be  placed 
on  record  with  my  official  report  of  that  battle  of  the 
5th  instant." 

In  this  connection  a  paragraph  from  the  official  re 
port  of  Gen.  Grover,  U.  S.  Army,  who  did  not  know 
the  name  of  the  battery,  but,  as  the  records  show,  from 
the  time  the  4th  New  York  Battery  took  position,  no 
other  battery  was  engaged  in  Hooker's  or  Kearney's 
Divisions  on  that  field  ;  hence,  little  doubt  remains  as 
to  the  identity.  He  states  : 

*  #  *  "i  then  withdrew  that  regiment  entirely 
from  that  position  to  support  our  retreating  forces  at 
the  point  of  the  woods,  and  just  in  time  to  unmask  the 
position  of  the  enemy  and  expose  him  to  a  most  severe 


SOME  MISSTATEMENTS  CORRECTED.  75 

fire  of  canister  from  a  part  of  a  field  battery  thrown  for 
ward  for  the  purpose  of  checking  the  rebel  advance  ; 
and  I  think  from  my  own  observation,  that  this  battery 
contributed  more  toward  sustaining  our  position  than 
anything  else  that  could  have  been  brought  to  bear  in 
that  part  of  the  field. ' ' 

The  4th  New  York  was  the  only  battery  in  Hooker's 
Division  whose  carriages  were  in  park  on  the  night  of 
the  battle. 

My  motive  for  alluding  to  this  matter  at  this  late 
day  is  to  render,  in  a  measure,  some  justice  to  the  men 
who  nobly  earned  a  fair  share  of  praise  so  lavishly  be 
stowed  in  other  directions.  For  instance  :  Lieut.  Jos 
eph  E.  Nairn,  Sergt.  Richard  Hamblin,  Corp'l  J.  A. 
Thompson,  and  privates  J.  B.  Johnson,  Robert  Shaw, 
J.  S.  Fraser,  W.  H.  Riker,  Geo.  C.  Cipperly,  R.  C. 
L,owrie,  and  J.  C.  Charlton  were  all  conspicuous  for 
their  bravery.  I  am  writing  from  memory  and  do  not 
intend  to  reflect  upon  any  member  of  the  Battery,  but 
these  men  have  ever  been  uppermost  in  my  mind  for 
their  gallantry — while  others  there  may  be  who  are 
honestly  entitled  to  honorable  mention,  and  I  feel  jus 
tified  in  referring  to  the  above  by  name,  believing  there 
are  none  who  will  or  can  object.  Many  of  my  men 
were  absent  during  the  battle  with  the  caissons  and 
horses,  and  in  this  manner  were  attending  to  their 
duties. 

What  more  could  have  been  asked  of  these  men? 
And  yet  their  conduct  failed  to  attract  the  attention  of 
the  gallant  Chief  of  Artillery  by  whose  side  they  fought, 
and  many  fell.  An  impartial  comparison  of  the  facts 
will  place  the  reputation  of  the  Battery  in  a  more  favor- 


76  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

able  light  and  the  unprejudiced  will  accord  to  it  the 
privilege  of  standing  upon  an  equality  with  those  bat 
teries  more  in  touch  with  the  headquarters  of  the  Divis 
ion  Artillery. 

Just  before  the  Battery  opened  fire  and  while  the  rain 
was  pouring  down  in  torrents,  Charlton,  who  had  ridden 
from  Yorktown  in  the  ambulance,  came  to  me  with  coat 
off  and  sleeves  rolled  up  and  asked  for  the  proper  eleva 
tion,  saying  he  had  loaded  a  gun  and  was  ready  to  fire  it. 
He  remained  with  the  gun  while  it  was  in  action,  but 
was  not  physically  able  to  perform  his  ordinary  duty 
otherwise;  therefore,  in  consideration  of  his  gallantry 
he  was  excused  and  allowed  to  ride  in  the  ambulance 
until  his  health  permitted  his  return  to  duty.  He  never 
missed  a  fight  where  the  Battery  was  engaged. 

Lieut.  Joseph  E.  Nairn  deserved  especial  mention  for 
his  conduct;  he  was  at  his  post  from  first  to  last,  as  was 
Serg't  Richard  Hamblin,  who  stood  by  his  piece  man 
fully  and  aided  in  handling  and  firing  the  same. 

John  B.  Johnston  and  Robert  Shaw  were  shot  down  at 
their  posts,  while  Riker,  Lowrie,  and  Cipperly  gave  their 
lives  by  reason  of  their  devotion  to  the  flag. 

Usually  there  is  no  difficulty  in  finding  men  willing 
to  assist  wounded  comrades  to  the  rear  and  the  hospital, 
but  to  their  eternal  praise  be  it  said,  not  one  man  be 
longing  to  the  Battery  would  leave  his  piece  to  assist 
the  wounded  from  the  field.  Some  of  them  threw  a 
tarpaulin  down  and  lifted  their  disabled  comrades  out 
of  the  mud  and  placed  them  on  it  and  then  returned  to 
their  guns. 

Captain  Osborn  offered  to,  and  did  send  some  men 
from  his  Battery  to  carry  back  my  wounded. 


SOME   MISSTATKMENTS   CORRECTED.  77 

It  is  a  long  time  since  the  incidents  above  recorded 
occurred,  and  I  am  writing  without  the  assistance  of 
notes;  many  events  doubtless  have  passed  out  of  my 
mind,  but  at  this  moment  another  incident  comes  up 
from  the  recesses  of  my  brain  which  I  will  relate. 

When  General  Kearney  requested  a  section  to  be  sent 
to  the  front,  the  horses  were  ordered  up  and  everything 
made  ready  to  carry  out  his  orders.  While  limbering 
up,  a  solid  shot  from  Fort  Magruder  struck  a  wheel- 
horse  square  in  the  barrel,  passing  clear  through  him 
and  between  the  driver's  legs.  The  horse  pitched  for 
ward  on  his  nose  while  the  rider  rolled  over  in  the  mud, 
turning  upon  his  hands  and  feet,  face  upwards,  with  a 
look  of  ' '  who-got-the-worst-of-it "  on  his  countenance, 
but  did  not  utter  one  word.  I  think  that  driver  was 
none  other  than  the  genial  Gen.  James  S.  Fraser  of  New 
York  City. 

I  had  been  back  to  order  up  the  horses  to  comply 
with  General  Kearney's  orders  to  move  a  section  to  the 
front,  etc.,  and  while  returning  met  Gen.  Joe.  Dickin 
son,  Hooker's  Assistant  Adjutant-General,  now  an  offi 
cial  of  the  Pension  Bureau  in  Washington,  a  few  rods 
in  the  rear  of  the  guns.  A  large  mud  hole  caused  each 
to  turn  to  the  right,  leaving  a  space  of  about  ten  or 
twelve  feet  between  us  as  we  passed.  At  this  moment 
a  six-pound  ball  struck  in  the  mud  between  us,  splash 
ing  the  dirty  water  over  each  and  ricocheting,  bounded 
away  to  the  rear.  A  glance  and  a  shake  of  the  head 
was  all  the  comment  made  as  we  parted,  neither  realiz 
ing  at  the  time  the  value  of  that  mud  hole. 

The  advance  up  the  Peninsula  was  one  continued 


78  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

struggle  to  extricate  the  carriages  from  the  sticky  mud. 
Our  Division  did  not  meet  the  enemy  again  until  after 
crossing  the  Chickahominy  River;  then  began  a  series  of 
contests,  ending  with  the  Seven  Days'  battles.  The  fa 
tigue  and  exposure  to  the  elements  were  very  trying. 

June  30th  the  Battery  took  part  in  the  Malvern  Hills 
battle.  (I  must  rely  upon  information  obtained  from 
those  who  were  present,  being  absent  myself  from  June 
1 2th  to  July  5th  on  sick  leave.) 

On  my  rejoining  the  Battery  at  Harrison's  Landing, 
Va.,  General  Hunt,  Chief  of  Artillery  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  stated  to  me  verbally  that  two  or  three  offi 
cers  of  the  U.  S.  Army  had  reported  to  him  that  during 
the  engagement  of  June  3oth  the  Battery  had  killed  an 
officer  and  two  privates  of  the  Union  troops  by  firing 
into  our  own  line,  and  he  desired  me  to  investigate  the 
matter,  which  I  did. 

I  was  further  informed  by  the  General  that  it  was  re 
ported  that  canister  was  used  at  a  distance  of  eighteen 
hundred  yards.  I  knew  that  there  was  not  a  man  in  the 
company  who  would  be  guilty  of  such  an  exhibition  of 
ignorance  regarding  range  and  ammunition,  but  an  in 
vestigation  was  necessary,  which  I  made,  with  the  fol 
lowing  result: 

First,  I  learned  that  not  one  round  of  canister  had 
been  used  since  the  battle  of  Williamsburg.  This  was 
very  easy  to  figure  out.  The  complement,  it  is  well 
known,  is  fifty  rounds  of  canister  to  each  gun,  and  as 
that  amount  was  on  hand,  while  none  had  been  drawn 
on  requisition,  it  was  evidently  an  error  as  to  that  part 
of  the  report. 

As  to  the  killing  of  our  own  men,  every  man  in  the 


SOME   MISSTATEMENTS   CORRECTED.  79 

company  emphatically  denied  even  the  possibility  of 
such  a  catastrophe,  explaining  to  me  the  position  of 
the  enemy  and  the  direction  of  the  Battery's  fire.  I 
was  firmly  convinced  at  the  time  that  a  mistake  had 
been  made  as  to  the  name  of  the  battery  responsible 
for  such  gross  mismanagement,  and  was  led  to  believe 
that  General  Hunt  shared  my  opinion,  after  learning 
the  particulars  as  above  related,  and  I  had  reason  to 
believe  at  the  time  that  the  reputation  of  the  Battery 
had  not  suffered  by  the  unfortunate  error,  but  that  all 
had  been  satisfactorily  explained.  Twenty-eight  years 
after  the  occurrence  alluded  to  above,  I  read  with  much 
regret  and  surprise  the  following  report,  dated  Harri 
son's  Landing,  July  5th,  1862  : 

*  *  *  ««  The  fight  was  too  unequal  and  was  ap 
parently  so  considered  by  the  New  York  Battery  on  my 
right.  The  conduct  of  this  Battery  I  have  already 
reported  verbally  to  the  General  commanding  the  Di 
vision  and  also  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac.  I  here  renew  that  report  in  writing.  It 
called  itself  the  4th  New  York,  and  was  commanded  by 
a  Lieutenant  Nairn.  I  believe  there  is  the  amplest 
evidence  that  it  killed  an  officer  and  two  enlisted  men 
of  our  own.  However  that  may  be,  I  can  assert  from 
my  own  knowledge  that  if  terrible  at  all  it  was  only  so 
to  its  friends.  It  fired  quite  rapidly,  making  consider 
able  noise  and  smoke,  but  it  fired  canister  at  a  distance 
of  from  fifteen  to  eighteen  hundred  yards.  Round 
after  round  of  canister  was  fired,  and  so  far  as  I  could 
observe  nothing  else  was  until  long  after  friend  and  foe 
had  ceased  firing.  This  irrepressible  Battery  threw 
several  case  shot  or  shell  which  struck  somewhere, 
certainly  much  nearer  our  own  troops  than  the  point  at 
which  the  hostile  battery  had  been  posted.  * 
"(Signed)  STEPHEN  H.  WEED, 

"  Captain 5th  U.  S.  Artillery:'1 


80  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

From  the  date  of  the  foregoing  report  it  is  evident 
that  my  investigation  was  made  subsequent  to  it,  and 
yet  not  one  word  in  regard  to  it  is  found  on  record  in  the 
published  reports.  The  testimony  is  ex-parte,  inasmuch 
as  the  explanation  has  been  excluded,  hence  the  charge 
stands  boldly  recorded  in  history,  while  the  defence 
made  at  that  time  has  been  denied  a  hearing. 

I  am  convinced  that  these  gentlemen  of  the  regular 
army  would  have  modified  their  opinion  had  they  un 
derstood  the  facts  as  herein  stated.  No  doubt  they 
were  honest  in  their  convictions,  but  by  comparing 
notes  and  explaining  the  position  held  by  the  Battery 
at  the  time  the  alleged  "  wild  firing  "  occurred,  lam 
certain  it  could  have  been  clearly  shown  that  the  Bat 
tery  was  mistaken  for  some  other. 

At  this  late  day  it  is  useless  to  attempt  a  defense  be 
yond  an  impartial  statement  of  facts.  General  Weed 
was  killed  on  Little  Round  Top  July  2,  1863,  an  officer 
of  unquestioned  merit  and  integrity,  whose  motive  in 
this  unfortunate  affair  was  evidently  intended  for  the 
good  of  the  service.  Of  the  other  two  officers  no  doubt 
the  same  can  be  said.  General  Hunt,  who  appeared 
to  never  forget  any  incident  of  the  slightest  import 
ance,  has  ceased  to  live.  I  therefore  state  what  few 
facts  still  exist  as  a  reasonable  excuse  for  reopening  a 
case  which  has  been  so  long  a  matter  of  undisputed 
record,  but  carefully  locked  up  with  all  other  official 
papers  in  the  War  Department  until  Congress  author 
ized  their  publication.  Our  defense  is  in  the  shape  of 
an  explanation,  the  only  course  left  to  us. 

While  located  near  Harrison's  Landing,  the  Battery 
was  placed  on  the  outer  line  in  a  crude  fortification 


SOME  MISSTATEMENTS   CORRECTED.  8 1 

within  the  Third  Corps  lines.  While  so  posted  Presi 
dent  Lincoln  visited  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  and  ex 
amined  the  breastworks,  coming  towards  our  position 
without  the  slightest  warning  being  given  to  us — dur 
ing  his  tour  of  inspection — and  when  within  a  distance 
of  less  than  twenty-five  yards,  Captain  McKeever  rode 
up  and  directed  that  a  salute  be  fired,  so  the  President 
was  compelled  to  halt  until  the  firing  ceased,  when  he 
passed  between  the  guns  and  limbers,  while  the  men 
loudly  cheered  him. 


82 


A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 


CHAPTER  VI 

Fredericksburg. 

UGUST  1 5th  began  the  march 
on  the  retreat  towards  York- 
town,  Va. ,  where  we  arrived 
in  due  time,  and  after  a  de 
lay  of  some  days  we  suc 
ceeded  iii  getting  transpor 
tation  for  the  carriages  to 
Alexandria,  Va. ;  the  horses 
were  shipped  two  or  three 
days  later.  We  did  not 
"  J  reach  Alexandria  in  time  to 

participate  in  Pope's  cam 
paign,  at  the  front,  but  rendered  service  in  and  around 
the  defenses. 

The  Second  Battle  of  Bull  Run,  like  the  First,  was 
disastrous  to  the  Union  Army,  and  impartial  history 
has  verified  the  bitter  accusations  of  the  rank  and  file  at 
the  time,  that  their  defeat  was  due  to  the  incapacity  of 
those  to  whom  was  entrusted  the  management  and 
maneuvering  of  that  splendid  body  of  men  known  as 
The  Army  of  the  Potomac.  These  swarthy  veterans  of 
the  innumerable  fights,  skirmishes  and  marches  of  the 
Peninsula  deserved  a  better  fate  than  met  them  at  Ma- 
nassas. 


FREDERICKSBURG.  83 

None  that  died  in  this  ill-starred  campaign  was  more 
generally  mourned  than  gallant,  dashing  Phil.  Kearny, 
the  Murat  of  our  Army,  the  idol  of  the  soldiers  who 
served  under  him. 

Killed  just  at  dusk  on  the  field  of  Chantilly,  his  body 
was  sent  into  our  lines  under  Confederate  escort  with 
instructions  to  be  delivered  to  General  Hooker.  As 
the  ambulance  which  contained  all  that  was  mortal  of 
the  bravest  man  that  ever  drew  a  sword  passed  Fort 
Ward  with  its  blind-folded  escort  in  gray,  many  an  old 
soldier,  hardened  to  death  and  wounds  in  every  shape, 
shed  tears,  and  when  General  Hooker  received  the  re 
mains  of  his  gallant  friend  whom  he  should  never  look 
upon  again  with  the  exultant  light  of  battle  in  his 
dauntless  eyes,  he  could  only  say  between  his  sobs, 
' '  such  is  the  curse  of  wrar. ' ' 

There  was  another  soldier  laid  low  at  Manassas, 
though  not  to  die,  fit  to  be  named  on  the  same  page 
with  brave  Phil.  Kearny.  He  wore  neither  stars  nor 
bars,  the  modest  chevrons  of  a  corporal  denoting  but 
one  remove  from  the  rank  of  private.  He  was  then  un 
known  outside  of  his  own  company,  and  when  an  ex 
ploding  shell  crushed  his  legs  into  a  shapeless  mass  of 
flesh  and  bones  it  was  only  one  enlisted  man  less  in  the 
regiment,  one  of  the  numerous  ''killed,  wounded  and 
missing"  reported  by  the  papers  in  round  numbers. 
But  when  this  maimed  youth's  vigorous  tenacity  and 
ambition  enabled  him  to  survive  the  surgeon's  knife,  to 
make  his  way  through  the  crowded  walks  of  life  to  that 
place  in  the  front  ranks  accorded  only  to  acknowledged 
force  and  ability,  then  the  world  came  to  know  that  the 
mangled  boy  carried  off  the  bloody  field  of  Bull  Run 


84  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

was  one  whom  his  country  delights  to  honor,  and  who 
is  proud  to  bear  the  title  he  bore  then — CORPORAL 
TANNER. 

Hooker's  Division,  then  commanded  by  General  D. 
B.  Sickles,  and  to  which  the  Battery  was  still  at 
tached,  was  selected  to  remain  near  Washington  during 
the  Antietam  campaign.  I  was  designated  as  Chief  of 
Division  Artillery  by  virtue  of  the  date  of  my  commis 
sion.  My  duties  were  subsequently  enlarged  by  Gen 
eral  Barry,  who  directed  that  the  field  batteries  lo 
cated  between,  and  at,  Arlington  and  Alexandria,  Va., 
should  be  subject  to  my  control  for  inspection,  etc.  I 
relinquished  the  executive  control  of  the  Battery  to 
Lieut.  J.  E.  Nairn,  but  remained  with  it  for  the  time 
being. 

On  a  certain  date  about  midnight,  General  Sickles 
received  information  of  an  intended  raid  by  Stuart's 
cavalry  on  Falls  Church,  Va.,  where  two  small  forts 
had  been  erected,  and  where  the  i2oth  New  York  Vol 
unteers,  Col.  G.  H.  Sharpe,  which  had  just  entered 
the  service,  were  stationed. 

I  was  directed  to  send  a  battery  at  once.  I  took  my 
own  to  save  time,  and  went  myself,  because  I  was  per 
sonally  familiar  with  the  locality.  This  knowledge  was 
essential  on  account  of  the  extreme  darkness  of  the 
night.  We  reached  Fort  Buffalo  between  2  and  3 
o'clock  A.  M.,  and  the  guns  were  soon  in  position; 
then  Colonel  Sharpe  desired  me  to  visit  the  outposts 
with  him,  which  I  did. 

The  infantry  had  been  well  placed  and  everything 
put  in  shape  to  make  the  reception  warm  in  case  of  an 


FRKDKRICKSBURG.  85 

attack.  The  Colonel  was  very  active  and  did  not  pro 
pose  to  give  me  an  opportunity  for  sleep,  as  he  com 
pelled  me  by  his  presence  to  remain  on  the  qui  vive. 

The  enemy  did  not  put  in  an  appearance,  however, 
to  our  great  relief. 

The  Division  was  reviewed  by  President  Lincoln  and 
the  members  of  his  Cabinet,  while  occupying  the 
defenses  of  Washington.  Again  the  Battery  had  the 
honor  of  firing  the  salute  for  the  President. 

On  this  occasion  I  commanded  at  least  ten  batteries, 
passing  before  the  President  in  review,  battery  front. 
They  made  a  splendid  appearance.  The  President 
instructed  me  to  say  to  the  battery  commanders  that 
he  was  very  much  gratified  with  the  fine,  soldierly 
appearance  of  the  artillery,  shaking  me  by  the  hand 
warmly  while  speaking. 

At  General  Sickles' s  suggestion  the  artillery  was 
notified  in  special  orders  as  to  the  President's  compli 
mentary  and  flattering  comments. 

Soon  after  this,  November  4th,  the  Division  moved 
out  to  Manassas  Junction,  acting  as  a  provisional  com 
mand,  charged  with  the  responsibility  of  putting  and 
keeping  in  order  the  railroad,  opening  as  it  were,  a  line 
of  communication  by  which  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
could  be  furnished  with  supplies  at  a  point  where  its 
line  of  march  intercepted  that  of  the  railroad.  The 
Battery  was  pushed  out  as  far  as  Catlett  Station,  where 
the  bridge  had  been  destroyed,  it  having  been  partly 
burned  by  the  enemy.  This  route  was  kept  open  until 
after  the  Army  had  passed  on  its  way  to  Falmouth,  Va. 

In  the  winter  of  '62  Gen.  Geo.  B.  McClellan,  after 
being  relieved  of  command,  returned  to  Washington  at 
this  time  on  one  of  the  trains  over  this  road. 


86  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

Having  performed  the  duty  assigned  it,  the  Division 
took  up  the  line  of  march  to  Falmouth,  Va.  At  Wolf 
Run  Shoals  General  Patterson  shot  himself,  and  the 
Battery  was  detailed  to  fire  a  blank  at  intervals  of 
thirty  minutes  between  sunrise  and  sunset,  as  a  token 
of  respect  to  his  memory  and  rank.  Arriving  at  Fal 
mouth,  we  rejoined  the  Corps,  from  which  we  had  been 
separated  since  before  the  battle  of  Antietarn. 
.  Preceding  the  battle  of  Fredricksburg  the  following 
order  was  received: 

"HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC, 

"Decembers,  1862. 
"Major-General  HOOKER, 

"Commanding  Center  Grand  Division. 
' '  General :  The  commanding  General  directs  that 
you  will  please  have  issued  to  each  of  the  following 
named  battery  commanders  the  accompanying  order, 
and  take  the  necessary  steps  to  have  it  executed:  Lieut. 
Hazlett,  Battery  "D,"  5th  U.  S.  Artillery,  Griffin's 
Division;  Captain  Smith,  4th  New  York  Battery,  Sick 
les' s  Division. 

"  Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 
"  (Signed.)  JOHN  G.  PARKER, 

"  Chief  of  Staff . 
(Sub-inclosure.) 

"  The  Commanding  Officer, 

"Battery . 

"Sir:  You  will  report  in  person  to  Lieut. -Colonel 
Hayes,  commanding  artillery,  at  the  office  of  Brigadier- 
General  Hunt,  Chief  of  Artillery,  at  10  A.  M.,  Wednes 
day,  the  loth  instant.  You  will  obey,  until  you  are 
ordered  to  rejoin  your  Division,  such  orders  as  you  may 
receive  from  Lieut. -Colonel  Hayes,  or  Brigadier- Gen 
eral  Hunt,  Chief  of  Staff. ' ' 


FRKDERICKSBURG.  87 

Reporting  as  above  ordered,  my  instructions  were  to 
lead  certain  batteries  to  a  point  designated,  between 
dark  and  daylight,  on  a  certain  date  ;  said  batteries 
were  then  assigned  to  localities  commanded  by  either 
Colonels  Tompkins  or  Hayes.  Having  disposed  of  all 
the  Division  artillery,  being  Chief  of  the  same,  I  re 
quested  permission  to  re-assume  command  of  the  4th 
New  York  Battery,  which  was  granted. 

This  Battery  was  posted  on  Falmouth  Heights,  di 
rectly  opposite  the  Confederate  works  above  and  west 
of  Fredericksburg,  and  south  from  our  position  about 
eighteen  hundred  or  two  thousand  yards.  It  was  ex 
pected  that  a  pontoon  bridge  would  be  thrown  over 
the  river  near  this  point,  by  which  means  troops  could 
be  placed  in  the  town. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  December  12,  1862,  about 
3  o'clock  A.  M.,  I  discovered,  by  seeing  them  march 
past  street  lamps,  the  flickering  light  of  which  betrayed 
their  movements,  that  the  enemy  were  moving  troops 
in  the  edge  of  the  town  near  the  river  bank.  I  con 
cluded  that  they  were  placing  sharpshooters  in  the  cel 
lars  under  the  buildings  on  the  bank  of  the  river  (to 
pick  off  our  artillerists,  I  thought  at  the  time). 

General  Hunt,  who  appeared  to  be  in  the  saddle  all 
the  time,  and  constantly  on  the  move,  visited  us  sev 
eral  times  during  the  night,  and  I  related  to  him  what 
I  had  seen.  It  is  my  impression  that  he  informed  me 
that  by  a  mutual  agreement  between  the  Provost  Mar 
shals  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  and  that  of  Northern 
Virginia,  troops  would  not  occupy  the  town  ;  be  this 
as  it  may,  when  our  engineers  began  to  construct  a 
bridge  (known  in  history  as  the  Upper  Bridge)  about 


88  A  FAMOUS  BATTKRY. 

6  A.  M.,  they  were  greeted  with  a  few  volleys  fired  by 
men  hidden  in  the  cellars  on  the  opposite  bank.  It 
soon  became  evident  that  these  Confederate  marksmen 
would  have  to  be  routed  before  a  bridge  could  be  put 
down  at  this  point. 

After  some  delay  it  was  arranged  that  the  batteries, 
which  were  in  position  on  the  north  bank,  were  to  open 
and  dislodge,  if  possible,  the  rebel  infantry.  Shortly 
after  8  A.  M.  a  shower  of  shot  and  shell  was  poured 
into  the  different  structures  wherein  the  enemy  lurked, 
then  our  firing  ceased  and  the  engineers  tried  to  work; 
but  the  moment  they  did  so,  popping  was  resumed  on 
the  other  side.  This  firing  first  from  one  side  and  then 
the  other  was  continued  at  intervals  until  about  3 
o'clock  p.  M.,  when  volunteers  were  called  for  from  the 
infantry  to  cross  over  in  pontoon  boats  and  drive  the 
rebels  from  their  holes. 

Nearly  one  hundred  men  from  the  yth  Michigan 
promptly  offered  their  services.  While  the  boats  were 
being  loaded  the  firing  increased,  the  bullets  falling  in 
the  water  near  the  boats  like  hail,  but  there  was  no 
flinching — the  men  who  had  willingly  undertaken  this 
task  had  counted  the  cost  and  fearlessly  placed  their  lives 
on  the  altar  of  their  country. 

I  thought,  while  gazing  on  this  scene,  that  it  would 
rank  with  any  deed  of  daring  recorded  in  the  pages  of 
history.  Think  of  it !  less  than  one  hundred  men  ex 
posed  in  three  open,  clumsy  boats,  propelled  with  oars 
or  paddles,  which  made  but  slow  progress,  in  the  face  of 
a  well-concealed  and  active  foe,  having  no  knowledge 
of  the  numbers  they  were  about  to  encounter,  with  lit 
tle  hope  of  reinforcements  until  the  boats  could  return 


FREDERICKSBURG.  89 

— and  all  for  thirteen  dollars  per  month !  No,  there 
must  have  been  something  else — -loyalty  and  true  pa 
triotism  overcame  all  thought  of  self,  and  without  the 
slightest  ostentation  they  quietly  went  forward  ready  to 
meet  any  fate  that  might  await  them. 

I  shall  never  forget  my  sensations  during  the  few 
moments  required  to  cross  the  river.  The  first  man  to 
jump  ashore  from  the  boats  was  a  lieutenant,  who  was 
hit  before  striking  the  ground.  He  crawled  back  into 
the  boat  and  subsequently  recrossed  the  river;  as  soon 
as  a  landing  was  made  the  men  were  hurried  forward, 
when  a  running  fight  through  the  streets  ensued;  more 
men  were  rowed  across,  and  finally  the  Rebel  infantry 
were  driven  back  and  the  engineers  soon  completed  the 
bridge,  over  which  a  large  force  marched  on  the  night 
of  the  1 2th. 

During  the  nth  and  i2th  a  fitful  cannonade  was  di 
rected  upon  the  town,  with  the  intention  of  burning  it 
down.  The  Battery  was  employed  after  the  completion 
of  the  bridge  in  drawing  the  fire  from  the  works  oppo 
site  to  relieve  the  troops  while  crossing.  In  this  man 
ner  the  assistance  rendered  was  valuable  and  greatly 
aided  the  infantry,  by  covering  them  while  reinforcing 
their  comrades,  who  were  on  the  other  side. 

The  official  report  of  this  battle  as  to  the  participa 
tion  of  the  Battery  will  furnish  further  particulars: 

"  CAMP  NEAR  FREDERICKSBURG,  December  17,  1862. 

* '  Colonel :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  follow 
ing  report  of  the  participation  of  the  4th  New  York 
Battery  under  my  command,  in  the  late  bombardment 
of  Fredericksburg.  In  obedience  to  orders  from  Head 
quarters  Centre  Grand  Division,  dated  December  10, 


90  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

1862,  I  reported  to  you,  and  was  by  you  ordered  to 
take  command  of  the  4th  New  York  Battery  which  had 
been  under  the  executive  command  of  ist  Lieut.  J.  E. 
Nairn  since  November  4th,  I  at  that  time  assuming 
command  of  the  Division  Artillery,  in  compliance  with 
orders  from  headquarters,  Sickles' s  Division,  of  that 
date.  Position  was  assigned  me  by  you  on  the  north 
bank  of  the  river  about  five  hundred  yards  west  of  the 
Lacey  house,  with  instructions  to  obey  all  orders  from 
General  Hunt,  Colonel  Tompkins  and  yourself.  I  placed 
my  guns  in  battery  about  8:30  o'clock  on  the  evening 
of  the  nth.  and  set  my  men  at  work  throwing  up 
small  breastworks  around  each  gun  as  a  protection 
against  the  enemy's  sharpshooters.  About  3  A.  M.  on 
the  morning  of  the  i2th,  General  Hunt  ordered  me  to 
fire  upon  the  town,  when  the  battery  adjoining  my  left 
("K,"  ist  U.  S.  Artillery,  Captain  Graham),  opened. 
In  obedience  to  this  order  I  opened  fire  about  5  A.  M.  , 
(or  soon  after  the  enemy's  sharpshooters  opened  fire 
upon  the  engineers  who  were  constructing  pontoon 
bridges).  I  kept  up  a  rapid  fire  during  the  forenoon, 
damaging  the  vents  of  five  guns,  which  became  enlarged. 
On  the  1 3th  the  enemy's  batteries  opened  on  the  town 
and  our  men.  I  undertook  to  draw  their  fire  by  reply 
ing  from  my  Battery,  and  several  times  during  the  day 
succeeded  in  checking  the  fire  from  some  of  their  bat 
teries  on  our  right  and  in  front  of  my  position.  During 
the  1 4th  and  i5th  my  orders  were  to  fire  upon  the  bat 
teries  in  front  whenever  they  opened  upon  our  reinforce 
ments  or  the  town,  which  order  I  obeyed  until  ordered 
by  General  Hunt  not  to  fire  under  any  circumstances. 
Again  during  the  night  of  the  isth  I  received  orders 
from  Colonel  Tompkins  to  be  on  the  alert  to  cover  the 
retreat  of  our  army;  but  as  the  enemy  made  no  attempt 
to  interfere  I  had  no  occasion  to  fire.  The  ammunition 
furnished  me  by  Captain  Young,  ordnance  officer  of 
Sickles' s  Division,  was  of  an  inferior  quality.  The  con 
cussion  projectiles  (Parrott)  were  used  as  solid  shot;  the 


PRKDKRICKSBURG.  91 

case  shot  worked  poorly;  about  one  in  twelve  exploded. 
The  cartridges  were  composed  of  different  kinds  of 
powder  or  of  various  quantities,  which  made  accuracy 
almost  impossible.  During  the  five  days'  firing  I  ex 
pended,  all  told,  about  sixteen  hundred  rounds  of  case 
shot  and  shell.  I  have  no  casualties  to  report.  The 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  the  Battery 
conducted  themselves  admirably,  obey  ing  all  orders  with 
promptness.  Lieutenants  Nairn,  Scott,  McLean  and 
Smith,  by  their  attention  to  duty,  contributed  greatly 
to  render  the  fire  of  the  Battery  effective.  Lieutenant 
Nairn  made  several  splendid  shots,  sighting  the  pieces 
himself.  The  officers  have  my  warmest  thanks. 
"  I  am  sir,  very  respectfully, 

' '  Your  obedient  servant, 
"(Signed.)  JAMES  E.  SMITH." 

"  Lieutenant- Colonel  WILLIAM  HAYKS, 

"  Command  Reserve  Artillery" 

The  vents  were  so  much  enlarged  that  vent  tenders 
were  compelled  to  cover  them  with  the  hand  instead  of 
the  thumb,  and  not  being  able  to  use  a  friction-primer 
by  reason  of  this  enlargement,  the  papier  mac/it-or  slow 
match  was  substituted;  by  this  means  fire  was  continued 
until  dark,  when  General  Hunt  sent  from  general  head 
quarters  of  the  army  a  competent  mechanic,  for  whose 
convenience  a  tent  was  put  up  in  rear,  which  covered  the 
light  necessary  to  complete  this  work,  and  into  which 
one  gun  was  run  at  a  time  until  the  entire  six  were  re- 
vented  with  copper  vents,  which  did  not  again  fail  us. 

During  the  nth  the  enemy's  pickets  were  stationed 
across  the  river  with  stacked  arms;  no  attempt  was 
made  to  molest  them  and  they  disappeared  during  the 
night. 

After  four  days  and  nights  constantly  exposed  to  the 


$2  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

inclemency  of  the  weather,  which  was  bitter  cold,  the 
ground  covered  with  snow,  no  shelter  or  fire,  defeat 
staring  us  in  the  face,  every  charge  made  by  the  infantry 
on  the  heights  within  our  full  view  greatly  adding  to 
the  mental  strain  already  stretched  to  its  fullest  tension, 
we  received  the  command  to  fallback,  which,  although 
not  unexpected,  was  a  great  relief,  and  gladly  we  re 
turned  to  camp  to  recuperate  and  prepare  for  the  famous 
"mud  march." 


AFTKR    FREDERICKSBURG. 


93 


CHAPTER  VII 

After  Fredericksburg .     A  Summer  March  through 
Maryland. 

ATE  appeared  to  be  against 
General  Burnside,  at  least 
the  elements  were,  but  the 
grand  old  army  did  n't  mind 
it;  defeat  and  disappointment 
could  not  discourage  it. 
Therefore,  when  the  order  to 
march  came  again,  promptly 
moved  forward  the  same  old  Corps,  the  same  old  bronzed 
faces.  I  do  not  remember  a  single  instance  while  the 
army  was  marching  towards  the  enemy,  where  the  morale 
was  not  most  excellent;  jokes  were  cracked  and  songs 
sung,  which  seemed  more  suited  to  a  picnic  excursion. 
An  army  composed  of  brain  and  muscle  and  minds 
capable  of  reasoning  stood  behind  muskets;  an  army  of 
intelligence  and  grit,  it  was  certain  of  success  in  the 
end.  The  rank  and  file  understood  the  principles  in 
volved  and  aimed  to  perform  the  work  appertaining  to 
their  duties  without  regard  to  who  might  be  in  com 
mand.  Do  not  understand  me  as  saying  that  they  had 
no  preference  in  this  respect;  such  was  not  the  truth; 


94  A   FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

they  simply  disregarded  their  personal  likes  and  dis 
likes  and  yielded  loyal  allegiance  to  all  superiors.  To 
conquer  was  the  desire  of  all,  and  to  this  end  their  best 
energies  were  directed.  The  grandest  army  that  ever 
trod  the  earth  ! — The  Federal  army  of  '6i-'65. 

Again  the  Battery  left  camp,  January  2oth,  1863, 
and  for  four  days  floundered  and  struggled  in  the  mud 
while  marching  to  the  United  States  Ford  and  getting 
back  to  camp. 

By  direction  of  General  Hunt  I  had  control  of  twelve 
light  batteries  which  were  marched  to  a  certain  point, 
where  I  met  and  turned  over  to  Colonel  De  Russey 
nine  batteries.  With  the  other  three  I  was  instructed 
to  move  to  our  right  and  reach  the  United  States  Ford. 
At  twilight  we  entered  a  dense  pine  woods  through 
which  there  was  a  narrow  road  leading  to  the  river. 
Scarcely  five  hundred  yards  from  the  opening  we 
encountered  a  pontoon  train  heading  in  the  opposite 
direction  and  which  was  firmly  mired  in  the  mud;  the 
colored  drivers  were  either  stupidly  drunk  or  too  wildly 
excited  to  know  what  they  \vere  doing.  Everything 
was  in  confusion.  My  orders  were  to  reach  United 
States  Ford;  one  Battery  (my  own,  4th  New  York)  cut 
its  way  around  the  train  and  camped  as  near  the  Ford 
as  prudence  allowed.  The  other  two  did  not  make  it. 

The  infantry  were  compelled  to  construct  a  corduroy 
road  before  the  Battery  could  retreat.  Finally,  after 
five  days  (2oth  to  24th  inclusive)  hard  work  for  men 
and  horses,  for  the  second  time  during  this  winter  we 
returned  to  our  old  camping  ground.  During  the  bal 
ance  of  the  winter  the  Battery  was  subjected  to  much 
harsh  treatment  and  many  disorganizing  changes  and 


AFTER   FREDKRICKSBURG.  95 

incidental  disagreements  that  seriously  impaired  its 
efficiency.  In  consequence  of  various  transfers,  resig 
nations,  etc.,  I  became  ranking  artillery  officer  of  the 
Third  Corps,  and,  in  accordance  with  the  Army  regula 
tions,  Chief  of  the  Corps  Artillery.  This  compelled  me  to 
relinquish  control  of  and  sever  my  connection  with  the 
Battery.  This  was  followed  by  the  resignation  of 
Lieut.  J.  E.  Nairn,  and  the  command  of  the  Battery 
devolved  upon  Lieut.  C.  H.  Scott,  an  officer  totally 
unfitted  for  the  position.  He  was  ordered  before  a 
Board  of  Examining  Officers,  and  it  resulted  in  his 
discharge  by  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War.  Lieut. 
Wm.  T.  McLean,  the  next  officer  in  command,  appeared 
before  the  same  Board  and  passed  a  creditable  examina 
tion.  Lieut.  E.  S.  Smith,  who  had  been  promoted, 
together  with  McLean,  vice  Nairn  and  Scott,  was  trans 
ferred  to  Battery  "K,"  4th  U.  S.  Artillery,  and  a  Lieu 
tenant  Goodman,  6th  New  Jersey  Infantry  (with  whom 
Lieutenant  Smith  traded  off)  transferred  from  Battery 
1 '  K  "  to  the  4th  New  York. 

Before  this  took  place,  General  Birney,  commanding 
ist  Division,  made  application  for  another  battery — 
having  but  three  while  the  2d  Division  had  five.  I 
was  directed  to  send  one  battery  from  the  2d  Division 
to  report  to  him.  The  order  was  issued  to  General 
Berry,  commanding  2d  Division,  who  referred  the  mat- 
.  ter  to  Captain  Osborne,  Chief  of  Division  Artillery, 
and  he  designated  the  4th  New  York  as  the  Battery  to 
be  transferred.  This  created  a  very  ill  feeling  on  the 
part  of  the  men.  Except  Battery  "H,"  ist  U.  S. 
Artillery,  the  Battery  had  been  attached  to  the  Division 
longer  than  any  other  serving  with  it,  and  the  men 


96  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

believed   they  were  being   discriminated  against  and 
refused  to  move  from  the  park  when  ordered. 

This  being  reported  to  Headquarters  Third  Corps, 
General  Berry  was  notified,  who  declared  that  the  Bat 
tery  no  longer  belonged  to  his  command.  Then  Gen 
eral  Birney  was  notified,  and  he  detailed  the  4oth  New 
York  Volunteers  with  instructions  to  move  or  bury  the 
Battery. 

Under  these  circumstances  a  transfer  was  made  with 
out  further  trouble,  but  much  of  the  interest  and  pride 
usually  felt  by  those  who  had  shared  hardships  and  dan 
gers  together  was,  to  a  certain  extent,  diminished  and 
their  ardor  dampened.  The  men  were  despondent  and 
became  lax  in  their  duties,  not  without  some  excuse. 
Finally,  a  lieutenant  Barstow  of  the  U.  S.  Artillery  was 
assigned  to  the  command,  when  matters  went  from 
bad  to  worse,  culminating  in  unwise  and  ill-advised 
promotions. 

If  I  had  remained  blind  to  all  that  concerned  my 
old  Battery,  my  personal  interests  would  have  been 
benefited,  my  position  as  chief  of  Corps  Artillery,  with 
ten  batteries  to  control,  and  a  good  prospect  for  the 
creation  of  a  brigade  with  the  usual  staff,  making  it 
one  of  the  most  desirable  commands  i^i  the  army.  I  had 
already  submitted  a  proposition  to  General  Hooker, 
then  commanding  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  with  a 
view  to  organizing  the  Corps  artillery  as  above  stated, 
and  was  instructed  to  again  submit  my  proposition 
after  the  then-pending  movement  (Chancellorsville). 

This  was  afterwards  carried  out  by  Captain  Ran 
dolph,  my  successor,  and  the  artillery  so  brigaded. 

My  position  was  all  I  could  desire,  but  should  have 


AFTER   FREDERICKSBURG.  97 

had  a  higher  rank  to  correspond  with  my  command. 
As  a  [  Captain  I  controlled  ten  field  batteries,  while 
the  date  of  my  commission  deprived  me  of  the  privilege 
of  assuming  command  of  my  own  Battery,  under  army 
regulations. 

After  the  assignment  of  a  United  States  officer  to  the 
command  of  the  Battery,  and  the  consequent  demoral 
ization,  I  determined  to  resign  my  commission  and  get 
reappointed,  by  which  proceeding  the  question  of  date 
of  rank  would  be  settled,  and  I  could  return  to  my  origi 
nal  command.  Therefore,  on  the  26th  day  of  April,  1863, 
I  tendered  my  resignation  and  received  an  honorable 
discharge.  Having  provided  myself  with  proper  let 
ters  to  present  to  the  Governor  of  the  State  of  New 
York,  I  returned  from  the  army  to  Washington,  D.  C., 
and  on  May  4th  presented  my  letters  in  person  to  Gov 
ernor  Seymour  at  Albany,  N.  Y. ,  who  accorded  me  an 
audience. 

After  explaining  my  reasons  for  resigning  and  again 
applying  for  a  re-appointment  to  the  same  position,  I 
was  soon  in  possession  of  a  new  commission  bearing 
date  of  issue. 

When  I  returned  to  Washington,  D.  C.,  Chancellors- 
ville  battle  had  been  fought,  and  the  Army  of  the  Po 
tomac  had  returned  for  the  third  time  to  its  camps  near 
Falmouth,  Va.  The  Battery  marched  during  this  series 
of  battles  with  the  First  Division,  and  held  several  posi 
tions  of  importance,  but  was  not  called  on  to  open  fire. 

Early  in  June  I  reported  for  muster  at  Headquarters 
Third  Corps,  but  General  Sickles  being  absent,  sick,  it 
was  decided  to  defer  it  until  his  return. 

The  Corps  broke  up  camp  on  the  nth,  and  began 


98  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

the  campaign  of  Gettysburg.  I  offered  my  services  as 
volunteer  aid  to  General  Birney,  commanding  .  the 
Corps,  and  so  acted  until  we  reached  Brandy  Station, 
Va.,  where  I  took  the  cars  for  Washington,  D.  C. 

I  soon  found  General  Sickles,  who  directed  me  to  be 
on  the  lookout,  as  he  intended  to  start  for  the  front 
when  he  could  reach  the  aimy  by  rail,  and  that  by  so 
doing  I  could  go  with  him.  On  June  2yth  he  started  by 
special  train  on  the  B.  &  O.,  from  Relay  House.  We 
made  slow  progress  owing  to  a  report  that ' '  Guerrillas  ' ' 
were  raiding  the  country  through  which  we  were  pass 
ing,  but  beyond  this  we  had  no  trouble,  and  reached 
Frederick,  Md.,  about  i  o'clock  next  morning. 

Besides  General  Sickles  and  aids,  there  were  on  this 
train  General  Marston  and  Colonel  Hardie,  the  latter 
bearer  of  despatches  relieving  General  Hooker  of  the 
command  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  (We  were  not 
informed  of  the  nature  of  his  business,  however.) 

We  found  the  Corps  halted  east  of  Frederick  City 
where  we  rejoined  it,  and  my  muster  was  made  without 
delay,  and  again  I  was  at  the  head  of  the  Battery.  A 
hasty  inspection  put  me  in  possession  of  its  condition, 
which  was  more  favorable  than  I  had  dared  to  hope. 

The  march  from  here  through  upper  Maryland  was 
the  most  delightful  we  had  made  during  our  service. 
It  was  harvest  time;  the  weather  was  superb,  and  the 
roads  fairly  good  through  a  beautiful  country  which 
had  tasted  but  little  of  the  destructive  havoc  of  war. 
The  old  familiar  sights  of  great  fields  of  yellow  wheat, 
orchards  loaded  with  fruit,  wide,  green  stretches  of  pas 
ture  and  meadow-land,  snug  farm-houses  and  huge  red- 
roofed  barns,  made  it  seem  a  pleasure  trip  after  the 


A  MARCH  THROUGH  MARYLAND.          99 

hardships  of  the  campaign  in  Virginia.  Then  the  boys 
very  soon  discovered  that  there  was  a  very  fair  supply 
of  most  excellent  apple-jack  along  the  route,  as  this 
was  considered  by  the  farmers  a  prime  necessity  in  the 
arduous  labors  of  harvest.  It  is  true  it  was  a  little 
difficult  to  get  at,  as  these  rural  citizens  had  doubtless 
heard  of  the  partiality  ever  shown  by  soldiers  towards 
this  famous  Southern  commodity.  It  was  usually  hid 
den  in  various  out-of-the-way  places  about  the  farms, 
and  it  required  much  ingenious  diplomacy  to  ascertain 
the  whereabouts  of  the  concealed  treasure.  When  all 
else  failed,  a  party  of  thirsty  soldiers  would  frequently 
march  into  a  barn-yard,  attach  a  couple  of  fine  horses 
and  coolly  inform  the  alarmed  farmer  that  they  were 
required  for  the  Government  service.  Upon  his  remon 
strating,  the  leader  of  the  gang  would  take  him  to  one 
side  and  suggest  that,  as  he  appeared  to  be  a  decent 
kind  of  a  fellow  they  would  n't  be  hard  on  him,  and  if 
he  had  anything  like  apple-jack,  or  peach-brandy,  or 
even  plain  whiskey  about  the  place,  they  would  com 
promise  the  matter.  They  always  got  it. 

Another  source  of  constant  enjoyment  was  the  Third 
Corps  Band,  which  appeared  to  be  ubiquitous.  They 
were  always  in  the  lead  on  the  march,  and  yet  when 
passing  through  the  numerous  villages  on  our  route 
we  would  find  them  located  on  some  balcony  or  front 
porch  or  grouped  around  the  town  pump  discoursing 
lively  martial  airs  as  we  gayly  passed  by  with  banners 
flying  and  singing  loyal  songs,  while  ladies  and  chil 
dren  would,  sometimes,  be  waving  handkerchiefs  from 
their  door  yards. 

It  was,  indeed,   a  gay  and  jolly  march,  such  as  sel- 


IOO  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

dom  fell  to  our  lot,  but  to  many  brave  boys  it  was  a 
march  to  death,  for  its  end  was  the  bloodiest  field  of 
the  war — Gettysburg,  and  but  two  days  away. 

We  reached  Kmmittsburg,  Md.,  in  the  afternoon  of 
July  ist.,  and  after  a  short  halt  the  Corps  moved  for 
ward  towards  the  Pennsylvania  line,  while  my  Battery 
and  Winslow's  were  left  here  with  Burling' s  and  De 
Trobriand's  Brigades  to  guard  the  Hagerstown  road. 

Gen.  Burling' s  official  report  refers  to  this  detail  as 
follows : 

*  *  *  "I  was  ordered  by  Maj.  Hamlin,  Assist 
ant  Adjutant-General,  Second  Division,  Third  Army 
Corps,  to  remain  at  this  place  with  the  Brigade  and 
Smith's  Battery  to  guard  the  Hagerstown  road.  In 
conjunction  writh  Colonel  Sewell,  of  the  5th  New  Jer 
sey  Volunteers,  and  Captain  Smith  of  the  Battery,  I 
immediately  made  such  disposition  of  my  command  as 
I  deemed  advisable  to  accomplish  this  object.  *  *  * 
"  (Signed)  BURLING, 

' '  Commanding  Brigade. ' ' 

About  1.30  on  the  morning  of  the  fateful  2d  of  July, 
orders  were  received  from  Gen.  Meade  to  re-join  the 
Corps  at  Gettysburg,  eleven  miles  away. 

It  required  some  time  to  withdraw  the  pickets,  there 
fore  it  was  4  A.  M.  before  we  were  ready  to  move  for 
ward,  rejoining  the  Corps  and  Division  at  9  o'clock  A.  M, 


roi 


CHAPTER  VIII 

Gettysburg. 

S  we  approached  the  ground 
between  the  two  armies 
in  the  vicinity  of  the 
' '  peach  orchard, ' '  I  no 
ticed  that  the  fences 
had  been  cleared  away 
and  all  preparations 
made  that  usually  pre 
ceded  a  battle;  even 
then  the  pickets  and  skirmishers  were  uneasy  and  kept 
up  a  desultory  fire,  little  puffs  of  thin  blue  smoke  dot 
ting  the  plain  before  us,  indicating  quite  distinctly  the 
respective  lines  of  the  two  greatest  armies  on  earth,  at 
this  hour. 

Before  reaching  the  "orchard  "  an  aide  came  towards 
us  from  the  direction  of  the  "wheat-field"  riding  at 
great  speed  and  waving  a  white  handkerchief  to  attract 
our  attention.  A  halt  was  made  in  consequence  and  we 
then  learned  that  our  position  was  equi-distant  between 
the  two  lines  and  somewhat  critical. 

No  time  was  lost  in  leaving  the  Kmmitsburg  road, 
moving  due  east  as  far  as  the  "wheat-field,"  into  which 
the  Battery  was  taken  and  parked.  About  i  o'clock 
p.  M.  Capt.  G.  K.  Randolph,  Chief  of  Third  Corps 


IC2  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

Artillery,  piloted  the  Battery  to  "Devil's  Den,"  point 
ing  to  a  steep  and  rocky  ridge  running  north  and  south, 
indicating  that  my  guns  were  to  find  location  thereon. 

From  the  termination  of  the  ridge  at  the  "Den"  to 
the  woods  dividing  the  "  wheatfield  "  from  the  valley 
of  Plum  Run,  the  distance  was  not  more  than  fifty 
yards.  Here  I  could  not  place  more  than  four  guns  on 
the  crest.  In  rear  of  this  ridge  the  ground  descended 
sharply  to  the  east,  leaving  no  room  for  the  limbers  on 
the  crest,  therefore  they  were  posted  as  near  to  the  guns 
as  the  nature  of  the  declivity  permitted.  The  remain 
ing  two  guns  were  stationed  in  rear  about  seventy -five 
yards,  where  they  could  be  used  to  advantage,  covering 
the  Plum  Run  Gorge  passage,  which  lies  to  the  south 
of  and  below  the  crest. 

The  four  guns  could  not  be  depressed  to  reach  troops 
moving  through  the  gorge,  hence  the  necessity  for  this 
arrangement. 

Two  regiments  of  infantry,  viz :  the  4th  Maine,  Col 
onel  Walker,  and  the  i24th  New  York,  Colonel  Ellis, 
were  formed  so  as  to  cover  the  open  space  between 
the  woods  and  base  of  Round  Top ;  the  former  being 
on  the  extreme  left,  while  the  latter,  the  "  Orange  Blos 
soms,  ' '  were  directly  in  rear  of  the  four  guns. 

I  felt  anxious  about  our  left  flank  and  made  an  effort 
to  get  some  infantry  posted  in  the  woods  along  the  base 
of  Round  Top,  but  as  the  enemy  gave  little  time  for  re 
flection,  my  attention  was  occupied  in  looking  after  the 
Battery,  and  replying  to  the  concentrated  fire  of  a  num 
ber  of  guns. 

This  artillery  battle  began  about  2  p.  M.,  and  was  a 
trial  of  skill  between  artillerists.  The  accuracy  of  the 


GETTYSBURG.  103 

enemy's  aim  was  astonishing,  while  that  of  the  gunners 
of  the  Battery  may  be  judged  from  the  reports  of  those 
who  have  the  best  right  to  know.  (See  Confederate 
reports.) 

About  3.30  o'clock  the  enemy's  infantry  appeared  in 
line  of  battle,  moving  directly  upon  the  Round  Tops. 
The  four  guns  were  now  used  to  oppose  and  cripple  this 
attack  and  check  it  as  far  as  possible.  I  never  saw  the 
men  do  better  work  ;  every  shot  told  ;  the  pieces  were 
discharged  as  rapidly  as  they  could  be  with  regard  to 
effectiveness,  while  the  conduct  of  the  men  was  superb ; 
but  when  the  enemy  approached  to  within  three  hun 
dred  yards  of  our  position  the  many  obstacles  in  our 
front  afforded  him  excellent  protection  for  his  sharp 
shooters,  who  soon  had  our  guns  under  control.  At 
the  fence  at  the  base  of  the  slope,  which  gently  declines 
to  the  west  in  front,  they  make  a  short  halt,  then  press 
on  ;  we  use  canister  without  sponging,  but  are  firing  at 
a  disadvantage  for  the  reason  just  stated,  to  save  the 
guns.  Colonel  Ellis  and  Colonel  Walker  now  advance 
their  commands,  and,  dashing  through  the  Battery, 
charge  upon  the  Confederates  with  great  impetuosity. 
My  fire  is  withheld  until  the  front  is  uncovered  by  the 
falling  back  of  the  ' '  Orange  Blossoms ' '  and  4th  Maine  ; 
again  the  artillerists  spring  to  their  guns ;  the  99th 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers  move  along  a  point  in  rear  of 
the  guns,  and  boldly  take  position  above  the  Den. 

The  4th  Maine  on  the  left,  with  a  line  across  the 
mouth  of  the  gorge,  have  been  forced  back;  the  situa 
tion  is  most  critical;  I  ask  for  assistance.  General  Hunt 
has  told  me  how  important  it  is  to  hold  this  position  to  the 
last.  The  enemy  are  pressing  on  the  left,  while  those 


104  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

in  front  and  to  the  right-front  are  advancing  skirmish 
ers.  My  guns  are  again  in  danger  of  capture.  The 
brave  "Orange  Blossoms"  have  been  withdrawn;  the 
4th  Maine  and  ggih  Pennsylvania  have  retired.  In 
reply  to  my  earnest  plea  for  help  I  have  been  asked  to 
hold  on  for  thirty  minutes,  when  succor  would  surely 
come;  if  the  guns  are  to  be  saved  it  must  be  done  now 
at  the  risk  of  exposing  our  weakness.  What  is  best  to 
do  under  the  circumstances  becomes  a  momentous 
question. 

I  finally  determine  to  consume  the  time  it  will  take  to 
remove  the  guns  in  fighting  them,  and  thus  trade  them 
for  time,  if  it  becomes  necessary.  The  men  are  instruct 
ed  to  remove  all  implements  if  they  are  compelled  to 
fall  back,  so  that  our  pieces  may  not  be  turned  against 
us.  The  bold  front  presented  by  the  Battery  cause  the 
enemy  to  approach  it  gingerly;  but  alas !  we  are  flanked 
by  the  enemy  moving  through  the  gorge  by  the  right 
flank;  our  four  pieces  are  now  useless,  but  the  two  in 
rear  can  be  of  service.  I  run  with  all  the  speed  in  me 
and  open  fire  with  these  two  guns  on  the  troops  coming 
through  the  gorge. 

The  enemy  are  taken  by  surprise;  their  battle  flag 
drops  three  different  times  from  the  effect  of  our  canis 
ter.  Thrice  their  line  wavers  and  seeks  shelter  in  the 
woods,  but  in  a  moment  they  return  in  a  solid  mass. 
The  6th  New  Jersey  moves  forward  from  the  ' '  wheat- 
field  "  across  my  front,  cutting  off  the  fire  of  the  two 
pieces;  then  the  4oth  New  York  passes  through  the  park 
of  the  horses  and  carriages  stationed  near  the  position 
occupied  by  the  two  guns,  and  attacks  Benning's  Bri 
gade. 


GETTYSBURG.  105 

I  now  conclude  to  save  the  balance  of  the  Battery,  if 
possible,  and  have  the  fence  lowered  that  it  may  pass 
through  to  the  ''wheat-field,"  but  still  hold  it  ready  to 
make  a  further  sacrifice,  if  deemed  necessary.  The 
four  guns  remain  suspended,  as  it  were,  on  the  crest  be 
tween  the  lines.  I  appeal  to  Colonel  Egan  to  save 
them;  he  promises,  but  fails  to  fulfill  his  promise;  the 
odds  are  too  great  against  us. 

The  men  have  faced  every  danger;  two  brave  men 
can  do  more  than  one — the  one  is  on  our  side,  the 
two  are  opposed  to  us.  Finally  the  Federal  infantry 
fall  back.  I  have  sent  the  carriages  into  the  woods, 
and  closely  watch  the  enemy's  movements. 

At  this  time  the  report  of  Hazlett's  guns  from  the 
summit  of  Little  Round  Top  announces  the  arrival  of 
assistance,  none  too  soon,  for  Benning's  Brigade,  after 
pushing  through  the  gorge,  is  about  to  cross  the  ' '  Val 
ley  of  Death  "  to  take  possession  of  the  goal  for  which 
he  has  been  fighting  for  more  than  two  hours.  The 
race  is  a  sharp  one;  the  Federals  win  it.  The  two  guns 
are  run  through  the  woods,  and  seeing  Winslow's  Bat 
tery  in  position,  I  take  position  on  his  right  just  as  he 
limbers  up  and  retires. 

Looking  for  the  cause  I  perceive  the  enemy  swarming 
from  the  woods  and  I  lose  no  time  in  falling  back. 

Before  the  crest  was  abandoned,  one  of  the  four  guns, 
having  been  disabled,  was  withdrawn;  this  left  but  three 
and  these  were  taken  off  by  the  enemy  after  dark. 

I  mistook  the  ' '  Orange  Blossoms ' '  for  the  4th  Maine, 
who  were  in  our  immediate  rear  when  the  artillery  duel 
opened,  and  in  my  official  report  make  no  mention  of 


IO6  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

this  gallant  regiment  whose  daring  charge  rendered 
such  valuable  and  timely  assistance. 

At  no  time  during  the  day  had  we  more  than  two  regi 
ments  of  foot  at  one  time  engaged  in  defending  this  im 
portant  point.  The  Battery  was  on  the  ground  from  2 
until  6  o'clock  P.M. 

By  a  careful  comparison  of  the  official  reports  here 
with,  it  is  shown  that  the  impression  of  many  of  the 
Confederates  is  erroneous  as  to  Little  Round  Top's  oc 
cupation  by  Federals,  and  that  they  suffered  from  the 
fire  of  guns  on  its  summit  while  advancing  to  the  as 
sault  of  Devil's  Den.  If  this  was  true,  then  those  who 
were  on  the  line  at  the  Den  must  have  known  it,  as  the 
fire  from  Little  Round  Top  would  have  to  pass  over 
their  heads. 

In  conclusion,  let  me  say  in  further  explanation  of  the 
loss  of  my  guns,  that  three  times  during  the  day  I  could 
have  withdrawn  them  without  giving  grounds  for  cen 
sure.  It  has  usually  been  considered  proper  to  retire  a 
field  battery  when  its  infantry  support  falls  back.  Had 
this  course  been  adopted  the  guns  might  have  been 
saved,  but  the  delay  imposed  upon  the  enemy  was  of  in 
estimable  value  to  the  Federal  army  and  more  than  off 
set  the  loss  of  the  pieces.  For  instance,  forty  minutes 
elapsed  between  the  departure  of  the  infantry  from  the 
ridge  and  the  arrival  of  the  two  regiments  at  the  posi 
tion  in  rear  of  it.  Every  one  of  those  minutes  con 
tained  sixty  seconds  and  into  each  second  was  crowded 
a  lifetime. 

It  had  not  occurred  to  me  to  save  the  Battery;  in 
deed,  I  could  not  see  how  I  was  to  do  it  without  aban 
doning  the  defense  of  the  valley  and  Little  Round  Top, 


GETTYSBURG.  1 07 

but  the  arrival  of  the  6th  New  Jersey  and  the  4oth  New 
York  Volunteers  changed  the  situation  somewhat.  I 
felt  that  the  responsibility  was,  at  least,  divided. 

During  the  interval  which  occurred  between  the  time 
we  left  the  ridge  and  the  coming  of  the  two  regiments, 
it  appeared  to  me  that  the  defense  of  the  key  to  the 
Federal  position  depended  upon  the  efforts  of  the  men 
who  were  handling  the  two  guns,  and  I  now  believe, 
laboring  as  I  doubtless  was,  under  the  excitement  and 
strain  brought  about  by  the  severe  ordeal  and,  may  I 
say,  peculiar  features  of  the  conflict,  that  my  mental 
faculties  were  not  in  condition  to  take  under  considera 
tion  the  probabilities  and  advisability  of  withdrawing 
from  the  contest  while  a  gun  could  be  discharged. 

After  the  abandonment  of  the  crest  I  felt  personally 
responsible  for  the  defense  of  the  position,  until  Colonel 
Bgan  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Gilkison  with  their  regi 
ments,  entered  the  valley.  (I  do  not  intend  to  reflect 
upon  General  Ward  and  the  balance  of  his  brigade,  but 
they  were  engaged  more  to  the  right  and  in  the  woods 
— hence  the  idea  that  further  assistance  from  this  quar 
ter  was  impossible).  This  seemed  to  give  me  time  for 
thought,  and  when  the  report  of  Hazlett's  guns  from 
Little  Round  Top  proclaimed  in  thunder  tones  that  our 
friends  were  near,  every  sound  in  the  air  appeared  to 
ring  with  the  welcome  tidings  that  the  victory  was  ours; 
that  a  new  lease  of  life,  so  to  speak,  was  granted  to  us. 
Under  such  a  state  of  affairs  may  I  not  be  pardoned  for 
retiring  the  men  who  had  so  nobly  remained  at  their 
posts  and  who  had  not  taken  advantage  of  the  many 
opportunities  they  had  had  to  fall  back  during  the  day, 
without  incurring  the  least  blame  for  so  doing.  The 


108  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

wounded  who  had  not  been  sent  to  the  field-hospital 
were  placed  upon  the  caissons  and  limbers,  and  every 
care  taken  to  avoid  confusion.  The  Battery  was  re 
tired  at  a  slow  walk  with  the  guns  in  rear. 

I  do  not  wish  to  be  understood  as  reflecting  on  the 
infantry.  Braver  men  never  stood  shoulder  to  shoulder 
with  their  faces  to  the  foe.  The  peculiar  features  of 
this  conflict  and  the  nature  of  the  ground  made  it  pos 
sible,  nay,  quite  possible,  for  the  enemy  to  suppose 
that  the  woods  and  many  large  boulders  concealed  a 
hidden  foe;  hence,  it  was  not  strange  that  the  Battery 
was  permitted  to  stand  as  long  as  it  did,  but  while  our 
infantry  were  in  sight  they  drew  the  fire  of  a  force  far 
superior  as  to  numbers;  besides  they  were  more  exposed 
than  the  few  men  who  managed  the  pieces. 

After  the  ridge  was  under  control  of  the  Confederate 
infantry,  the  Federal  infantry,  which  had  formed  the 
defense  to  this  part  of  the  line,  instead  of  retiring  in 
the  direction  of  Little  Round  Top,  naturally  fell  back 
into  the  woods  occupied  by  the  balance  of  Ward's 
Brigade. 

Lieutenant- Colonel  Gilkison  moved  his  regiment 
through  the  woods  from  the  ' '  wheat-field ' '  in  rear  of 
the  brigade  and  without  seeing  it.  I  venture  to  say 
that,  inasmuch  as  Lieutenant -Colonel  Gilkison  has 
not  been  mentioned  in  any  of  the  general  reports  for 
the  gallant  and  timely  aid  rendered,  the  presence  of 
his  regiment  was  unknown  to  the  brigade  commander. 
Colonel  Egan  was  guided  by  Captain  Bristow  of  Gen 
eral  Birney's  staff.  The  troops  that  were  stationed  on 
the  first  line  were  relieved,  after  the  charge  had  been 
repulsed  and  their  ammunition  expended,  while  those 


GETTYSBURG.  109 

two  regiments  that  came  last  upon  the  scene  were  not; 
they  fell  back  before  the  advance  of  Benning's  Brigade. 

No  blame  can  attach  to  any  troops  that  fought  in  the 
Valley  of  Plum  Run  July  2d ;  the  fault  lay  in  their 
weakness,  nothing  else. 

Colonel  Walker  misunderstood  me,  if  I  am  to  judge 
by  the  tone  of  his  letter  published  in  1886.  I  certainly 
never  said  that  I  did  not  want  his  help;  I  was  not  fool 
enough  to  think  a  Battery  could  maintain  a  position 
such  as  was  assigned  to  the  4th  New  York  without  a 
strong  force  of  infantry  in  support.  Not  having  such 
support  in  line,  it  was  my  belief  that  the  best  disposition 
ought  to  be  made  of  the  limited  force  at  hand;  there 
fore  I  suggested  to  Colonel  Walker  the  advisability  of 
moving  his  regiment  from  the  rear  of  the  Battery  into 
the  woods  on  our  left,  saying  at  the  time,  if  he  would 
protect  the  flank,  the  Battery  would  endeavor  to  take 
care  of  the  front. 

I  believed  at  the  time  that  infantry  stationed  in  those 
woods  would  be  able  to  resist  any  effort  of  the  enemy 
to  take  possession  of,  and  turn  to  good  account,  the  ex 
cellent  protection  there  offered.  My  desire  to  have  Fed 
eral  troops  posted  in  the  woods  on  our  left  and  in  front 
of  Round  Top,  led  to  my  speaking  to  Colonel  Walker 
about  the  matter. 

I  regret  that  this  brave  old  hero  now  attempts  to  place 
me  in  a  false  position;  there  was  no  mistaking  my  mean 
ing  at  the  time,  and  there  is  no  good  reason  for  miscon 
struing  it  now. 

A  few  minutes  before  leaving  the  last  position  my 
horse  was  killed,  which  led  to  a  ludicrous  incident  at 
my  expense.  I  wore  boots  with  a  stiff  leg  to  the  knee 


IIO  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

and  a  light  calf  leg  lined  with  white  morocco  reaching 
to  the  hip.  When  dismounted  the  upper  part  was 
rolled  in  a  manner  to  form  a  top-boot;  becoming  dis 
arranged,  during  the  battle  the  roll  relapsed  so  that 
from  the  knee  to  the  ankle  the  appearance  was  that  of 
boots  with  white  legs.  Lieutenant  Goodman  seeing 
that  I  was  without  a  mount,  kindly  gave  me  the  use  of 
his  horse  so  that  I  might  reach  the  head  of  the  column 
then  moving  through  the  woods.  While  moving  back 
from  the  position  taken  on  Winslow's  right,  one  of  the 
men  caught  me  by  the  leg  exclaiming,  ' '  Captain,  you  're 
shot ! ' '  Glancing  down  I  saw  that  the  boot  was  covered 
with  blood,  and  located  the  supposed  wound  in  the 
calf  of  the  right  leg.  The  limb  began  to  pain  and  I 
plainly  felt  the  blood  running  into  the  boot.  I  moved 
my  toes  and  the  red  liquid  swashed  between  them.  The 
foot  and  the  limb  were  much  swollen  I  imagined,  and  I 
became  anxious  to  ascertain  the  extent  of  the  damage; 
therefore,  at  the  first  available  moment  I  was  down. 
Calling  one  of  the  men  to  assist  in  drawing  off  the 
boot  (scolding  him  for  causing,  unnecessarily,  extra 
pain  by  his  carelessness,  while  doing  so)  I  patiently  and 
calmly  resigned  myself  to  the  inevitable.  The  boot 
being  removed  and  no  sign  of  blood  found,  I  quickly 
glanced  at  the  man  who  had  drawn  it  and  saw  on  his 
face  a  broad  grin.  I  hastily  said,  "Let  me  tell  this 
story  first,  please." 

Searching  for  an  explanation,  it  was  discovered  that 
the  horse  was  shot  in  the  flank,  and  by  spurring,  the 
boot-leg  had  come  in  contact  with  the  blood  which 
flowed  from  the  wound.  Imagination  accomplished 
the  rest. 


GETTYSBURG.  Ill 

Another  incident  occurred  which,  under  the  circum 
stances,  was  amusing,  and  goes  far  towards  displaying 
the  comic  side  of  the  Irish  character.  At  a  time  when 
the  rebel  riflemen  were  annoying  the  artillerists  from 
their  concealed  shelter  behind  the  large  boulders,  etc., 
Michael  Broderick,  detailed  from  the  1 1  th  Massachu 
setts  Volunteers,  and  placed  as  driver  on  the  Battery 
wagon,  left  his  team  which  was  out  of  danger  and  came 
forward  to  the  crest  where  things  were  a  little  lively, 
and  picking  up  a  musket  which  had  been  dropped  by 
one  of  the  infantry,  he  was  soon  engaged  with  a  foe  who 
was  evidently  behind  one  of  the  boulders  in  front.  Mike 
was  oblivious  to  the  bullets  flying  carelessly  about;  he 
simply  had  an  eye  on  his  man,  and  to  even  up  chances, 
he  too  sought  the  friendly  protection  of  a  large  rock. 
His  strange  antics  first  attracted  my  notice,  and  when 
I  took  him  to  task  for  leaving  his  team,  his  reply  was: 
"Let  me  stay  here,  Captain,  sure  there  are  plenty  back 
there  to  look  after  the  horses."  I  said  no  more  and 
Mike  again  commenced  to  dance,  first  on  one  side  of 
the  rock  and  then  on  the  other,  challenging  his  man  to 
come  out  and  face  him;  then  he  would  dodge  behind 
the  rock  to  avoid,  I  presume,  the  privilege  of  stopping 
a  bullet,  then  out  he  would  jump  again  shouting, 
"  Come  on  now,  if  you  dare,  bad  luck  to  you."  He  was 
thus  engaged  when  I  last  noticed  him.  At  night  Mike 
was  reported  missing,  but  early  on  the  morning  of  the 
3d,  he  reported,  with  a  rebel  musket  and  cartridge  belt, 
stating  that  he  had  been  taken  prisoner  and  placed  in  a 
belt  of  timber  with  other  Federal  soldiers.  Watching  his 
chance,  he  noticed  the  guards  were  few  and  far  between, 
and  when  opportunity  offered  he  quickly  found  a  belt 


112  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

and  musket  and  commenced  to  march  up  and  down 
like  the  Confederate  guards  (his  slouch  hat  and  old 
blouse  together  with  his  general  make-up  aroused  no 
suspicion,  as  many  rebels  were  dressed  similarly). 
When  night  came  on  he  marched  into  the  Federal  lines 
and  reported  as  stated. 

The  Battery  was  parked  on  the  Baltimore  pike.  I  sent 
to  the  Sixth  Corps  for  a  surgeon  to  care  for  the  wounded. 
Early  on  the  morning  of  the  3d  I  reported  three  guns 
for  service  and  was  assigned  position  in  the  second 
line  near  the  Third  Corps,  but  was  not  again  engaged 
during  this  battle. 


OFFICIAL  REPORTS — UNION. 


CHAPTER   IX 

Official  Reports —  Union 

THE  OFFICIAL  REPORTS  OF  FEDERAL  OFFICERS,  FROM  SE 
RIES  i,  Voi,.  XXVII,  PART  I,  REBEWJON  RECORDS. 

GEN.  H.  J.  HUNT,  Chief  of  Artillery  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  relating  to  the  part  taken  by  the  Battery  at 
Gettysburg  : 

"Smith's  4th  New  York  on  the  extreme  left 
and  on  a  steep  and  rocky  eminence  in  advance  of  Sugar 
Loaf,  and  on  his  right  Winslow's  ('D,'  ist  New  York) 
in  a  wheat-field,  separated  from  Smith  by  a  belt  of  woods. 
*  *  As  Smith  had  not  opened,  I  went  to  his  bat 
tery  to  ascertain  the  cause.  When  I  arrived  he  had 
succeeded  in  getting  his  guns  into  position,  and  just 
opened  fire.  As  his  position  commanded  that  of  the 
enemy  and  enfiladed  their  line,  his  fire  was  very  effec 
tive.  *  *  *  In  the  meantime  the  enemy  had  es 
tablished  his  new  batteries  to  the  north  of  the  road  and 
Smith  turned  his  guns  upon  them.  *  -  *  *  Three 
of  these  belonged  to  Smith's  Battery  on  our  extreme 
left.  The  guns  were  stationed  on  the  brow  of  a  very 
precipitous  and  rocky  height,  beyond  a  ravine  in  front 
of  pur  line.  The  difficulty  in  getting  these  guns  up  the 
height  had  caused  the  delay  in  Smith's  opening  his  fire. 
He  fought  them  to  the  last  moment  in  hopes  of  keeping 
the  enemy  off  and  in  the  belief  that  the  ground  would 
be  in  our  possession  again  before  the  guns  could  be  car 
ried  off  by  the  enemy.  He  got  off  one  of  the  four  guns 


114  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

he  had  placed  on  the  height,  but  was  compelled  to  aban 
don  the  other  three."     *     *     * 

Report  of  Major  General  David  B.   Birney,  First  Di 
vision,  Third  Corps  : 

*  *     *     "  Smith's  battery  of  rifled  guns  was  placed 
so  as  to  command  the  gorge  at  the  base  of  the  Sugar 
Loaf  Mountain."     *     *     * 

Report    of  Capt.    George    E.   Randolph,  Chief   of 
Third  Corps  Artillery : 

*  *     *    "  Smith's  and  Winslow's  Batteries  on  their 
arrival  from  Emmitsburg  were  parked  until  some  better 
disposition  could  be  made  of  them.     *     *     *     I  placed 
Smith's  Battery  near  the  extreme  left,  between  Round 
Top   Mountain   and  the  woods,   on  a  rocky  hill  com 
manding  a  long  valley  running  toward  Emmitsburg.    On 
the  right  of  Smith's,  after  passing  a  belt  of  woods,  was 
an  opening.     *     *     *     It  soon  became  evident  that 
the  enemy  was  preparing  for  an  attack  at  this  point. 
He  soon  opened  more  batteries  on  the  right  of  his  first 
and  commenced  a  heavy  fire  from  them  upon  our  troops. 
Ames  and  Clark  were  soon  so  well  at  work  that  the 
advantage  was  not  on  the  side  of  the  enemy,  and  at 
last  a  well-directed  fire  from  Smith's  Battery  on  the 
extreme  left  silenced  them  for  a  time.     The  respite, 
however,  was  short,  as  at  about  3  o'clock  p.  M.  the  en 
emy  re-opened  fire,   and,  under  cover  of  his  artillery, 
began  to  push  infantry  against  our  position.     The  part 
of  our  line  where  Smith's  Battery  was  placed  was  as 
sailed  in  the  most  furious  and  determined  manner,  and 
notwithstanding  the  conduct  of  our  troops,  after  a  long 
struggle  it  became  evident  that  the  line  would  break. 
The  hill  upon  which  the  guns  stood  was  very  rough 
and  rocky,  rendering  maneuvering  with  horses  almost 
an  impossibility.     Four  of  Captain  Smith's  guns  only 
had  been  at  first  placed  in  battery.     These  were  served 


OFFICIAL   REPORTS UNION.  115 

effectively  till  they  could  no  longer  be  without  danger 
to  our  own  troops,  who  had  advanced  to  the  front  of 
the  battery.  The  remaining  two  were  placed  in  a  po 
sition  a  few  yards  in  rear,  and  pointed  obliquely  into 
the  woods  on  the  left  in  front  of  Round  Top  Mountain, 
which  was  occupied  by  the  advancing  lines  of  the  en 
emy.  These  guns  continued  their  fire  till  their  sup 
ports  were  compelled  to  retire,  when  they  were  with 
drawn  by  Captain  Smith,  leaving  three  of  the  four 
that  were  in  advance  still  on  the  hill  and  in  possession 
of  the  enemy.  Captain  Smith  says  he  supposed  the 
hill  would  be  immediately  re-taken  by  our  troops  and 
that,  as  it  was  a  place  most  difficult  of  access,  it  was 
wiser  to  leave  them  where  they  could  be  used  against 
the  enemy  immediately  we  regained  the  hill.  I  regret 
the  loss,  but  from  my  knowledge  of  the  position  and  of 
the  gallantry  displayed  by  Captain  Smith,  I  am  con 
vinced  that  it  was  one  of  those  very  unpleasant,  but 
yet  unavoidable,  results  that  sometimes  attend  the  ef 
forts  of  the  most  meritorious  officers."  *  *  * 

Report  of  Maj.-Gen.  Sykes,  U.  S.  Army,  command 
ing  Fifth  Corps: 

"A  rocky  ridge,  commanding  almost  an 
entire  view  of  the  plateau  held  by  our  army,  was  on  our 
extreme  left.  Between  it  and  the  position  occupied  by 
Birney's  Division,  Third  Corps,  was  a  narrow  gorge 
filled  with  immense  boulders  and  flanked  on  either  side 
by  dense  woods.  It  afforded  excellent  cover  and  an  ex 
cellent  approach  for  the  enemy,  both  of  which  he 
promptly  made  use  of.  The  rocky  ridge  commanded 
and  controlled  this  gorge.  In  examining  it  and  the 
ground  adjacent  previous  to  posting  my  troops,  I  found 
a  battery  at  its  outer  edge  and  without  adequate  sup 
port.  I  galloped  to  General  Birney,  whose  troops  were 
nearest,  explained  to  him  the  necessity  of  protecting  the 
guns,  and  suggested  that  he  should  close  his  division  on 


Il6  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

the  battery  and  hold  the  edge  of  the  woods  on  its  right. 
I  promised  to  fill  the  gap  he  opened,  which  I  did  with 
Sweitzer's  and  Tilton's  brigades,  of  rny  first  division, 
posting  them  myself." 

[NoTK. — I  have  been  mystified  by  the  above,  and  can 
not  account  for  the  scantiness  of  the  support  actually 
provided;  it  was  not  adequate,  nor  was  it  in  harmony 
with  the  importance  of  the  position. — J.  K.  S.] 

Report  of  Thomas  W.  Egan,  Colonel  Commanding 
4oth  New  York  Volunteer  Infantry: 

*  *     *     l'The  enemy  had  at  this  time  partly  suc 
ceeded  in  flanking  the  Second  Brigade  upon  my  right 
by  a  movement  upon  their  left.     Captain  Smith's  (4th 
New  York)  Battery  was  stationed  upon  the  ridge  at  my 
right  and  was  in  a  very  perilous  situation;  the  enemy  hav 
ing  already  captured  three  of  his  pieces,  he  called  upon  me 
in  beseeching  terms  to  save  his  Battery." 

[NOTE. — It  must  be  remembered  that  our  front  had 
changed  when  the  4oth  New  York  and  6th  New  Jersey 
regiments  arrived.  Our  former  front  faced  west,  but 
after  leaving  the  ridge  we  changed  front  to  about  south 
west  by  south,  to  conform  to  the  line  made  by  Ben- 
ning's  Brigade,  which  had  marched  through  the  gorge 
by  the  right  flank.  (See  map.)  Therefore,  when  Col 
onel  Egan  speaks  of  his  right  he  alludes  to  the  ridge, 
and  the  troops  on  his  right  were  the  6th  New  Jersey. — 
J.  E.  S.] 

Report  of  Col.  S.  R.  Gilkison,  6th  New  Jersey  In 
fantry  : 

*  #     *     "  Advancing  promptly  through  the  woods 
we  came  to  a  fence.    Having  no  one  to  guide  me  and  not 


OFFICIAL   REPORTS — UNION.  117 

knowing  the  position  the  regiment  was  to  occupy,  I 
formed  line  and  opened  fire  on  the  enemy  directly  in  our 
front.  Soon  ascertaining  the  position  of  our  line,  under 
a  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy,  I  advanced  the  regiment 
about  two  hundred  yards  across  the  open  field  directly 
in  front  of  the  4th  New  York  Battery,  Captain  Smith, 
taking  position  on  the  left  of  Ward's  Brigade." 

Report  of  Lieut.  Charles  F.  Sawyer,  4th  Maine: 

*  *     *     ' '  Were  then  assigned  position  on  the  left 
of  the  Brigade  and  advanced  to  a  position  on  a  rocky 
hill,  in  support  of  the  4th  New  York   Battery.     The 
position  of  the  regiment  was  changed  to  the  left  of  the 
Battery  on  the  advance  of  the  enemy.     One  company 
("  F")  being  left  on  the  brow  of  the  hill,  the  rest  of 
the  regiment  being  in  the  ravine  and  left  of  the  line  ex 
tending  into  the  side  of  the  hill  on  the  left." 

Report  of  Brig. -Gen.  J.  H.  Hobart  Ward,  command 
ing  Second  Brigade  and  First  Division  : 

*  *     *     "After  placing  my  Brigade  in  the  position 
assigned,  Major  Stoughton,  of  the  Second  U.  S.  Sharp 
shooters,  reported  to  me  with  his  command.     I  directed 
him  to  advance  his  command  as  skirmishers  across  the 
field  in  front  of  mine  for  half  a  mile  and  await  further 
orders.     They  had  scarcely  obtained  the  position  desig 
nated  before  the  skirmishers  of  the  enemy  issued  from 
a  wood  in  front,  followed  by  heavy  lines  of  infantry. 
Captain  Smith's  Battery  of  rifled  guns  posted  on  the 
eminence  on  my  left,  opened  on  the  advancing  enemy. 

*  *     *     In  the  meantime  I  had  sent  to  General 
Birney  for  reinforcements,  who  directed  Colonel  Egan 
with  the  40th  New  York,  to  report.     The  enemy  now 
concentrated  his  force  on  our  extreme  left,  with  the 
intention  to  turn  our  left  flank  through  a  gorge  between 
my  left  and  Sugar  Loaf  Hill.     The  4oth  New  York 
was  despatched  to  cover  the  gap,  which  they  did  most 


1 1 8  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

effectually.  Our  men,  now  much  exhausted  and  nearly 
destitute  of  ammunition,  were  relieved  by  a  portion  of 
the  Second  and  Fifth  Corps,  when  we  retired  and  biv 
ouacked  for  the  night." 

[NOTE — Benning's  Brigade  had  made  the  passage  of 
the  gorge  before  the  4oth  New  York  volunteers  reached 
the  ground.  The  two  pieces  of  Smith's  Battery  had  been 
briskly  engaged  in  pouring  canister  into  the  head  col 
umn  of  these  troops  as  they  emerged  from  the  gorge 
near  Devil's  Den.  After  this  Benning  formed  his  line 
between  little  Round  Top  and  Devil's  Den,  and  then 
the  6th  New  Jersey  and  4oth  New  York  Volunteers 
attacked  them.— J.  K.  S.] 

Report  01  Captain  James  K.  Smith,  4th  New  York 
Battery: 

"CAMP  NEAR  SANDY  HOOK,  MD.,/«/^  20,  1863. 

"Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  participation  of 
the  4th  New  York  Battery,  under  my  command,  during 
the  Battle  of  Gettysburg  July  2d.  In  compliance  with 
instructions  received  from  you,  I  placed  two  sections  of 
my  Battery  on  a  hill  near  the  Devil's  Cave,  on  the  left  of 
General  Birney's  line,  leaving  one  section  together  with 
caissons  and  horses,  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  the 
rear.  The  4th  Maine  Regiment  was  detailed  as  support, 
forming  line  in  rear,  under  cover  of  a  hill.  [This  is  an  er 
ror;  this  position  was  occupied  by  the  i24th  New  York 
Regiment.]  On  my  left,  extending  half  way  to  the 
Emmitsburg  road,  was  a  thick  wood,  in  which  I  re 
quested  Lieutenant  Leigh,  aide-de-camp  to  General 
Ward,  to  place  supports.  He  informed  me  that  a  bri 
gade  had  already  been  placed  there,  but  this  must  have 
been  a  mistake.  About  2:30  p.  M.  the  enemy  opened 
fire  on  my  right  and  front  from  several  guns,  directing 
a  portion  of  their  fire  upon  my  position.  I  was  ordered 
by  one  of  General  Ward's  aides  to  return  their  fire, 


OFFICIAL   REPORTS — UNION.  119 

which  order  I  complied  with.  Twenty  minutes  later  I 
discovered  the  enemy  was  endeavoring  to  get  a  section 
of  twelve-pounder  guns  in  position  on  my  left  and  front, 
in  order  to  enfilade  this  part  of  our  line;  but  I  suc 
ceeded  in  driving  them  off  before  they  had  an  oppor 
tunity  to  open  fire.  Soon  after,  a  battery  of  six  light 
twelve  pounders  marched  from  the  woods  near  the  Em- 
mi  tsburg  road  and  went  in  battery  in  the  field  in  front 
about  fourteen  hundred  yards  distant.  A  spirited  duel 
immediately  began  between  this  battery  and  my  own, 
lasting  nearly  twenty  minutes,  when  Anderson's  Bri 
gade  of  Hood's  Division,  Longstreet's  Corps  (rebel) 
charged  upon  us." 

[NoTK.— This  impression  was  formed  at  the  time, 
based  upon  information  obtained  from  some  Confeder 
ate  wounded  soldiers  left  in  their  hospitals;  it  should 
have  been  Hood's  Division. — J.  K.  S.] 

<4  The  rebel  battery  then  left  the  field  and  I  directed 
my  fire  upon  the  infantry.  At  this  time  I  requested 
the  officer  in  command  of  the  4th  Maine  Regiment  to 
place  his  command  in  the  woods  on  my  left,  telling  him 
I  could  take  care  of  my  front,  but  my  request  was  not 
complied  with." 

[NOTE. — It  has  been  stated  by  some  that  I  intimated 
my  ability  to  whip  the  Confederate  army  with  the  Bat 
tery,  and  did  not  wish  any  support ;  but  the  truth  of 
the  matter  is,  I  wished  to  place  the  support  where  it 
would  do  the  most  good.  I  felt  very  much  annoyed 
that  the  woods  to  the  left  of  our  line,  which  offered  such 
excellent  protection  for  defensive  operations,  should 
be  left  for  the  enemy  to  enter  without  opposition.  From 
this  position  the  troops  stationed  on  the  ridge  and 
across  the  ravine  at  Devil's  Den  were  flanked,  and  un- 


120  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

der  cover  of  these  woods  Benning  formed  his  brigade 
for  the  march  through  the  gorge,  while  the  same  woods 
furnished  cover  to  Law's  brigade  to  prepare  for  the  as 
sault  on  Round  Top.— J.  E.  S.] 

"  I  used  case  shot  upon  the  advancing  column  until 
they  emerged  from  the  woods  on  my  left  flank  in  line 
of  battle  three  hundred  yards  distant ;  then  I  used  can 
ister  with  little  effect,  owing  to  numerous  large  rocks 
which  afforded  excellent  protection  to  their  sharpshoot 
ers.  I  saw  it  would  be  impossible  for  me  to  hold  my 
position  without  assistance,  and  therefore  called  upon 
my  support,  who  gallantly  advanced  up  the  hill  and  en 
gaged  the  enemy.  Fighting  became  so  close  that  I  or 
dered  my  men  to  ceaso  firing,  as  many  of  the  4th  Maine 
had  already  advanced  in  front  of  the  guns." 

[NoTK. — This  error  as  to  the  name  of  regiment  was 
caused  by  my  attention  being  directed  to  the  front  while 
the  4th  Maine  moved  across  the  ravine,  and  the  i24th 
New  York  occupied  the  vacancy  in  rear  of  the  Battery. 
For  many  years  I  labored  under  the  impression  that  the 
4th  Maine  was  directly  in  rear  of  the  guns  at  the  time  I 
called  for  assistance.  In  this  manner  I  failed  to  credit 
the  "  Orange  Blossoms "  with  the  noble  and  gallant 
charge  they  made  at  the  most  critical  moment  of  that 
trying  contest  for  the  possession  of  the  ridge  and  the 
guns  stationed  thereon. — J.  E.  S.] 

' '  I  then  went  to  the  rear  and  opened  that  section  of 
guns,  firing  obliquely  through  the  gulley  (gorge),  doing 
good  execution.  At  this  time  the  6th  New  Jersey  Vol 
unteers,  lieutenant-Colonel  Gilkison  commanding,  and 
4oth  New  York  Regiment,  Colonel  Egan  commanding 
came  to  our  support.  These  regiments  marched  down 


OFFICIAL  REPORTS— UNION.  121 

the  gulley  fighting  like  tigers,  exposed  to  a  terrific  fire 
of  musketry;  and  when  within  one  hundred  yards  of 
the  rebel  line  the  4th  Maine,  which  still  held  the  hill, 
were  forced  to  retreat." 

[NOTE. — At  the  time  the  ' '  Orange  Blossoms ' '  charged 
in  front  of  the  guns  on  the  ridge  cutting  off  my  fire,  I 
noticed  the  head  of  Benning's  brigade  moving  by  the 
flank  through  the  gorge.  To  check  this,  I  ran  to  the 
two  guns  in  rear  and  opened  with  canister;  seeing  Fed 
eral  soldiers  on  the  ridge,  I  naturally  supposed  they  were 
the  same  that  had  made  the  charge.  Recent  informa 
tion  leads  me  to  believe  the  ggth  Pennsylvania  regi 
ment  was  moved  from  the  woods  on  the  right,  while  the 
"Orange  Blossoms"  fell  back  into  this  same  woods 
lower  down  the  slope,  after  changing  their  front  from 
west  to  south.  It  is  certain  that  neither  the  4th  Maine 
nor  "  Orange  Blossoms  "  occupied  the  ridge  after  my  de 
parture.  In  this  way  only  can  I  account  for  the  pres 
ence  of  the  99th  Pennsylvania,  which  I  failed  to  recog 
nize  at  the  time. — J.  E.  S.] 

''Very  soon  afterward  the  4oth  New  York  and  6th 
New  Jersey  regiments  were  compelled  to  follow.  I  then 
ordered  my  remaining  guns  to  the  rear.  When  I  left 
these  guns  on  the  hill,  one  having  been  sent  to  the  rear 
disabled,  I  was  under  the  impression  we  would  be  able  to 
hold  that  position;  but,  if  forced  to  retreat,  I  expected 
my  support  would  save  the  guns;  which,  however,  they 
failed  to  do.  I  could  have  run  my  guns  to  the  rear,  but 
expecting  to  use  them  at  any  moment  and  the  position 
being  difficult  of  access,  I  thought  best  to  leave  them 
for  a  while.  Again,  I  feared  if  I  removed  them  the  in 
fantry  might  mistake  the  movement  for  a  retreat.  In 
my  opinion,  had  supports  been  placed  in  the  woods,  as 


122  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

I  wished,  the  hill  could  not  have  been  taken.  I  con 
ducted  my  command  to  a  field  near  the  Baltimore  turn 
pike  —  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  Third  Corps  head 
quarters —  and  encamped  for  the  night,  reporting  three 
guns  for  service  next  morning  to  Captain  Clark,  acting 
Chief  of  Corps  Artillery.  *  *  *  The  non-com 
missioned  officers  and  privates  conducted  themselves 
throughout  the  day  with  commendable  bravery.  *  * 
*  I  trust  that  no  blame  can  be  attached  to  me  for 
the  loss  of  any  guns;  I  did  that  which  in  my  judgment 
was  best. 

"  (Signed)  JAMES  E.  SMITH." 


OFFICIAL  REPORTS — CONFEDERATE.  123 


CHAPTER  X 

Official  Reports — Confederate 

BEFORE  calling  attention  to  the  official  reports  of 
Confederate  officers  engaged  in  our  front  and  who  make 
reference  to  the  Battery,  I  wish  to  state  that  no  other 
field  pieces  took' part  in  the  battle  for  the  possession  of 
the  gorge  and  ridge  near  Devil's  Den  (Hazlett's  not 
being  in  use  until  after  the  ridge  had  fallen  into  the 
enemy's  possession,  and  the  very  nature  of  the  posi 
tions  forbids  the  admission  of  the  theory  advanced  by 
some  of  the  Confederates,  that  they  suffered  from  the 
fire  of  guns  stationed  on  little  Round  Top  while  charg 
ing  over  the  open  space  between  the  Devil's  Den  and 
Emmitsburg  road);  hence,  all  references  here  quoted 
apply  to  the  4th  New  York  Battery,  because  I  do  not 
refer  to  that  part  of  the  battle  for  the  possession  of 
Little  Round  Top. 

Report  of  Brig. -Gen.  Henry  I,.  Benning,  Confederate 
States  Army,  commanding  brigade : 

1 '  A  wood  intervened  between  us  and  the 
enemy,  which,  though  it  did  not  prevent  their  shells 
from  reaching  us  and  producing  some  casualties,  yet 
completely  hid  them  from  our  view.  On  emerging 
from  the  woods  their  position  became  visible.  Before 
us  at  the  distance  of  six  hundred  or  eight  hundred  yards, 
was  an  oblong  mountain  peak  or  spur,  presenting  to  us  a 


124  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

steep  face  much  roughened  by  rocks.  To  the  right 
four  hundred  or  five  hundred  yards  from  the  peak  was 
the  mountain  itself,  with  a  side  that  looked  almost 
perpendicular;  its  summit  overlooked  the  peak  just 
sufficiently  to  command  it  well.  On  the  summit  of 
the  peak  were  three  pieces  of  artillery." 

[NoTK. — This  refers  to  the  four  guns,  but  as  three 
were  captured  the  mistake  is  obvious. — J.  E.  S.] 

"iOn  a  sort  of  uneven,  irregular  shelf  were  three 
others.  To  the  right  and  left  of  the  Battery  as  well  as 
immediately  in  its  rear,  were  lines  of  infantry,  as  we 
afterwards  ascertained.  This  formed  the  enemy's  first 
line  of  battle." 

[NOTE. — This  description  of  the  position  of  the  Bat 
tery  is  accounted  for  by  the  manner  in  which  this  Bri 
gade  came  through  the  gorge,  as  is  the  following  state 
ment  in  regard  to  Hazlett's  guns.  When  General  Ben- 
ning  first  obtained  a  view  of  the  second  line  it  was  after 
his  brigade  had  reached  the  space  between  the  gap  and 
base  of  Little  Round  Top.  At  this  time  he  had  good 
reason  to  believe  there  was  a  second  line,  but  he  is  a 
little  premature  in  locating  it. — J.  K.  S.] 

1 '  On  the  top  of  the  mountain  itself  and  a  little  to  the 
right  of  the  peak  were  five  other  guns.  These  com 
manded  our  approaches  to  the  peak  for  nearly  the  whole 
way.  To  the  right  and  left  of  these  extended  the  ene 
my's  second  line  of  infantry.  Where  that  line  crossed 
the  gorge  running  between  the  peak  and  the  mountain, 
a  point  five  or  six  hundred  yards  in  the  rear  of  the  peak, 
were  two  other  guns.  This  was  ascertained  when  the 
right  of  the  brigade  reached  the  gorge  by  the  terrible 
fire  from  them  which  swept  down  the  gorge." 


OFFICIAL  REPORTS — CONFEDERATE.  125 

"  Thus,  what  we  had  to  encounter  were  thirteen  guns 
and  two,  if  not  more,  lines  of  infantry,  posted  on  moun 
tain  heights.  The  intervening  spur  over  which  we 
had  to  march  to  reach  the  first  line  was  nearly  all  open, 

*  *     *     Where  my  line  reached  the  foot  of  the  peak 
(ridge)  I  found  there  a  part  of  the  ist  Texas,  strug 
gling  to  make  the  ascent,  the  rest  of  the  brigade  hav 
ing  gone  to  the  right  and  left,  the  4th  and  5th  Texas 
to  the  right  and  the  3d  Arkansas  to  the  left.     The 
part  of  the  ist  Texas  referred  to  falling  in  with  my 
brigade,    the   whole    line   commenced    ascending   the 
rugged  steep  and  (on  the  right)  crossing  the  gorge. 
The  ground  was  difficult — rocks  in  many  places — pre 
senting  by  their  precipitous  sides  insurmountable  obsta 
cles,  while  the  fire  of  the  enemy  was  very  heavy  and 
very  deadly.  The  progress,  therefore,  was  not  very  rapid, 
but  it  was  regular  and  uninterrupted.     After  awhile 
the  enemy  were  driven  from  their  three  front  guns.  The 
advance  continued   and  at  length   they  were    driven 
completely  from  the  peak,  but  they  carried  with  them 
the  three  guns  on  its  summit,  its  sudden  descent  on 
the  other  side  favoring  the  operation,  so  that  we  cap 
tured   only  the   three   front   guns.     These   were   ten- 
pounder  Parrotts.     A  number  of  prisoners  were  also 
taken,  more,  I  suppose,  than  one  hundred.     *      *      * 
Colonel  Jones  was  killed  late  in  the  action,  not  far  from 
the  captured  guns,  after  the  enemy's  forces  were  driven 
from  the  position  and  they  had  themselves  opened  on  it 
with  shell  from  the  other  batteries,  a  fragment  of  one 
of  which,  glancing  from  the  rock,  passed  through  his 
brain.      *     *     *      Colonel  Harris  was  farther  to  the 
right  when  he  and  his  regiment  were  exposed  to  the 
terrible  fire  of  the  two  pieces  which  swept  the  gorge, 
as  well   as  to  the  infantry  fire   of  the   enemy's   left. 

*  *     *      Under   a   fire   from   so   many  cannon,  and 
toward  the  last   from   so   much   musketry,  they  (the 
Confederates)   advanced  steadily  over  the  ground,  for 
the  most  part  open,  mounted  a  difficult  height,  drove 


126  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

back  from  it  the  enemy,  occupied  his  lines,  took  three 
guns,  captured  a  number  of  prisoners,  and  against  his 
utmost  efforts  held  all  they  had  gained.  The  captured 
guns  were  taken  by  the  2oth  Georgia  (Colonel  Jones, 
and  after  his  death,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Waddell),  the 
part  of  the  ist  Texas  above  referred  to  (Colonel 
Work),  and  the  iyth  Georgia  (Colonel  Hodges),  but 
the  honor  of  the  capture  was  not  exclusively  theirs. 
They  could  not  have  taken,  certainly  could  not  have 
held,  the  guns,  if  Lieutenant-Colonel  Harris,  and,  after 
his  death,  Major  (W.  S.)  Shepherd,  on  the  left  with  the 
2d  Georgia,  and  Colonel  Du  Boise,  with  the  i5th 
Georgia,  on  the  right,  had  not  by  the  hardest  kind  of 
fighting  and  at  great  loss  protected  their  flanks." 

[NoTK. — The  number  of  troops  engaged  in  the  cap 
ture  of  the  guns,  and  the  evidence  of  such  brave  foes, 
leaves  little  to  be  said  as  to  the  manner  and  character 
of  the  defense. — J.  K.  S.] 

Report  of  Colonel  William  F.  Perry,  commanding 
44th  Alabama  Infantry  : 

*  *  *  <  '  When  at  a  short  distance  from  the  stone 
fence  near  the  base  of  the  mountain,  General  Law  in 
formed  me  that  he  expected  my  regiment  to  take  a  bat 
tery  which  had  been  playing  on  our  line  from  the  mo 
ment  the  advance  began.  This  battery  was  situated 
not  on  the  mountain  itself,  but  on  a  rugged  cliff  which 
formed  the  abrupt  termination  of  a  ridge  that  proceeded 
from  the  mountain,  and  ran  in  a  direction  somewhat 
parallel  with  it,  leaving  a  valley  destitute  of  trees  and 
rilled  with  immense  boulders  between  them.  This  valley, 
not  more  than  three  hundred  paces  in  breadth,  and  the 
cliff  on  which  their  artillery  was  stationed,  were  occu 
pied  by  two  regiments  of  the  enemy's  infantry.  The 
direction  of  the  regiment  after  crossing  the  stone  fence 
was  such  that  a  march  to  the  front  would  have  carried 


OFFICIAL   REPORTS — CONFEDERATE.  127 

it  to  the  right  of  the  enemy's  position.  It  was,  there 
fore,  wheeled  to  the  left,  so  as  to  confront  that  position, 
its  left  opposite  the  battery  and  its  right  extending  to 
ward  the  base  of  the  mountain.  This  movement  was 
executed  under  fire,  and  within  two  hundred  yards  of 
the  enemy.  The  forward  movement  was  immediately 
ordered,  and  was  responded  to  with  an  alacrity  and 
courage  seldom,  if  ever,  excelled  on  the  battle-field. 
As  the  men  emerged  from  the  forest  into  the  valley  be 
fore  mentioned,  they  received  a  deadly  volley  at  short 
range,  which  in  a  few  seconds  killed  or  disabled  one- 
fourth  their  number.  Halting  without  an  order  from 
me,  and  availing  themselves  of  the  shelter  which  the 
rocks  afforded,  they  returned  the  fire.  Such  was  their 
extreme  exhaustion — having  marched  without  inter 
ruption  twenty-four  miles  to  reach  the  battle-field  and 
advanced  at  a  double-quick  step  fully  a  mile  to  engage 
the  enemy — that  I  hesitated  for  an  instant  to  order  them 
immediately  forward.  Perceiving  very  soon,  however, 
that  the  enemy  were  giving  away,  I  rushed  forward, 
shouting  to  them  to  advance.  It  was  with  the  greatest 
difficulty  that  I  could  make  myself  heard  or  understood 
above  the  din  of  battle.  The  order  was,  however,  ex 
tended  along  the  line,  and  was  promptly  obeyed  ;  the 
men  sprang  forward  over  the  rocks,  swept  the  position 
and  took  possession  of  the  heights,  capturing  forty  or 
fifty  prisoners  around  the  battery  and  among  the  cliffs. 
Meanwhile  the  enemy  had  put  a  battery  in  position 
on  a  terrace  of  the  mountain  to  our  right,  which  opened 
on  us  an  enfilading  fire  of  grape  and  spherical  case  shot. 
A  sharp  fire  of  small  arms  was  also  opened  from  the 
same  direction.  This  was  not  destructive,  however, 
owing  to  the  protection  afforded  by  the  rocks.  At  this 
critical  moment  General  Benning's  Brigade  of  Geor 
gians  advanced  gallantly  into  action  ;  his  extreme  right 
lapping  upon  my  left,  swarmed  over  the  cliffs  and  min 
gled  with  my  men.  It  was  now  past  5  p.  M.;  the  con 
flict  continued  to  rage  with  great  fury  until  dark.  Again 


128  A   FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

and  again  the  enemy  in  great  force  attempted  to  dis 
lodge  us  from  the  position  and  re-take  the  battery,  in 
each  case  with  signal  failure  and  heavy  loss. 

[NoTB. — Colonel  Perry's  report  is  very  accurate  in  al 
most  every  particular.  He  evidently  witnessed  the  oc 
cupation  of  Little  Round  Top  by  the  Federal  troops, 
and  alludes  to  Benning's  Brigade  as  joining  on  his  right 
at  this  time.  This  was  at  the  time  that  brigade  moved 
through  the  gorge.  The  fatal  mistake  of  allowing  the 
enemy  to  occupy  the  woods  on  our  left  was  turned  to 
good  account  by  them,  they  making  use  of  it  as  a  rally 
ing  point. — J.  K.  S.] 

Report  of  Brig. -Gen.  J.  B.  Robertson,  Confederate 
States  Army,  commanding  brigade: 

*  *  *  "Understanding  before  the  action  com 
menced  that  the  attack  on  our  part  was  to  be  general, 
and  that  the  force  of  General  Law's  center  was  to  ad 
vance  simultaneously  with  us  on  my  immediate  left,  and 
seeing  at  once  that  a  mountain  held  by  the  enemy  in 
heavy  force,  with  artillery,  to  the  right  of  General  Law's 
centre  was  the  key  to  the  enemy's  left,  I  abandoned  the 
pike,  and  closed  on  General  Law's  left.  This  caused 
some  separation  of  my  regiments,  which  was  remedied 
as  promptly  as  the  numerous  stone  and  rail  fences  that 
intersected  the  field  through  which  we  were  advancing 
would  allow.  As  we  advanced  through  this  field,  for 
half  a  mile,  we  were  exposed  to  a  heavy  and  destructive 
fire  of  canister,  grape,  and  shell  from  six  pieces  of  their 
artillery  on  the  mountain  alluded  to,  and  the  same  num 
ber  on  a  commanding  hill  but  a  short  distance  to  the 
left  of  the  mountain,  and  from  the  enemy's  sharpshoot 
ers  from  behind  the  numerous  rocks,  fences  and  houses 
in  the  field.  *  *  *  Lieutenant- Colonel  Work,  with 


OFFICIAL   REPORTS — CONFEDERATE.  1 29 

the  ist  Texas  Regiment,  having  pressed  forward  to  the 
crest  of  the  hill  and  driven  the  enemy  from  his  battery, 
I  ordered  him  to  the  left  to  the  relief  and  support  of 
Colonel  Manning,  directing  Major  Bass,  with  two  com 
panies,  to  hold  the  hill  while  Colonel  Worth  with  the 
rest  of  the  regiment  went  to  Colonel  Manning's  relief. 
With  this  assistance,  Colonel  Manning  drove  the  enemy 
back  and  entered  the  woods  after  him,  when  the 
enemy  re-occupied  the  hill  and  his  batteries  in  Colonel 
Work's  front,  from  which  Colonel  Work  again  drove 
him."  *  *  * 

Report  of  Maj.  J.  P.  Bane,  4th  Texas: 

*  *     *     "Advancing  at  double-quick,  we  soon  met 
the  enemy's  skirmishers,  who  occupied  a  skirt  of  thick 
undergrowth  about  one-quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  base 
of  the  cliffs,  upon  which  the  enemy  had  a  battery  play 
ing  upon  us  with  the  most  deadly  effect. ' ' 

Report  of  Lieut. -Col.  William  S.  Shepherd,  2d  Geor 
gia: 

*  *     *     "  Just  before  reaching  its  position  in  line, 
the  regiment  advanced  by  the  right  flank  through  an 
open  field,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy's  artillery, 
which  was  posted  on  a  commanding  position.     * 
Before  advancing  in  line  of  battle,  the  command  was 
permitted  to  rest  a  few  moments.     The  2d  Georgia 
composed  the  right,  and,  with  the  iyth  Georgia  the 
right  wing  of  Benning's  Brigade.     Soon  the  order  to 
advance  was  given,  when  the  entire  regiment  moved 
forward  in  splendid  order  until  it  came  to  a  deep  gorge, 
where  the  nature  of  the  ground  was  such  that  it  was 
impossible  to  preserve  an  alignment;  but,  notwithstand 
ing  the  rocks,  undergrowth  and  the  deadly  fire  of  the 
enemy,  the  officers  and  men  of  this  regiment  moved 
forward  with  dauntless  courage,  driving  the  enemy  be 
fore  them,  and  it  did  not  halt  until  they  saw  they  were 


I3O  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

some  distance  in  advance  of  their  line,  and  beyond  a 
rocky  eminence  on  the  left,  which  had  been  previously 
held  by  the  enemy.  Here  the  regiment  made  a  stand 
and  fought  as  gallantly  as  men  could  fight,  and  did  not 
yield  an  inch  of  ground,  but  repulsed  several  charges 
made  by  the  enemy,  who  were  protected  by  a  battery 
and  a  hill  lined  with  sharpshooters."  *  *  * 

Report  of  Col.  W.  C.  Hodges,  iyth  Georgia: 

*  *  [*  "The  2d  and  iyth  Georgia  regiments 
formed  the  right  wing  of  Benning's  Brigade  ;  and,  after 
being  formed  in  line  facing  the  enemy  under  a  murder 
ous  fire  of  artillery,  ably  served,  and  volleys  of  musket 
ry,  dashed  forward  gallantly  and  with  impetuosity ,  un 
til  a  four-gun  battery  of  the  enemy,  from  which  we  had 
received  no  little  annoyance,  was  passed  by  the  left  of 
my  regiment ;  and  many  of  the  officers  and  men,  both 
of  said  battery  and  its  support,  composed  in  part  of  a 
detachment  of  the  4th  Maine  infantry,  were  captured 
and  sent  to  the  rear  by  the  men  of  my  command. 

It  is  not  intended  in  this  statement  to  set  up  any  ex 
clusive  claim  to  the  capture  of  the  battery,  which,  hav 
ing  had  its  support  stripped  from  it  in  the  manner  indi 
cated,  remained  at  the  command  of  the  brigade  until 
removed  under  cover  of  night.  The  position  of  my 
regiment  in  relation  to  this  battery  proves  its  instru 
mentality  in  the  valuable  capture. "  *  *  * 

[NOTE. — No  officers  or  enlisted  men,  save  Broderick, 
were  captured  from  the  Battery. — J.  K.  S.] 

Report  of  Col.  J.  Waddell,  iyth  Georgia: 

"  The  enemy's  guns  commanded  a  consid 
erable  portion  of  this  distance  and  opened  a  heavy  fire 
of  shell  upon  us  for  more  than  a  mile  of  the  way. 
About  5  p.  M.,  having  reached  the  intended  point,  we 
advanced  in  line  of  battle  to  assault,  the  regiment 


OFFICIAL,   REPORTS — CONFEDERATE.  131 

moving  in  excellent  order  and  spirit.  We  had  not 
advanced  far  before  it  was  ascertained  that  there  was  a 
considerable  space  intervening  between  Law's  and 
Robertson's  Brigades,  unoccupied  by  any  Confederate 
troops  save  very  few  belonging  to  the  ist  Texas  Regi 
ment.  Near  to  the  center  of  this  comparatively  unoc 
cupied  ground,  upon  a  steep,  rocky,  rugged  hill,  the 
enemy  had  posted  a  battery  of  six  guns  from  which  a 
destructive  and  vigorous  fire  was  poured  in  our  ranks. 
To  cover  this  ground  and  to  support  Brigadier- General 
(J.  B.)  Robertson,  who  was  pressed  severely  at  the 
time,  a  left  and  oblique  movement  was  made  and  con 
tinued  until  the  2oth  Regiment  fronted  this  battery, 
when  the  brigade  was  ordered  to  advance  forward. 
The  order  was  obeyed  by  the  regiment  with  prompt 
ness  and  alacrity,  and  the  charge  upon  the  hill  and 
battery  executed  courageously  and  successfully.  In 
the  space  of  fifteen  minutes  the  hill  was  carried  and 
three  ten-pounder  Parrott  guns  captured.  They  were 
brought  off  that  night  and  the  next  day  turned  against 
the  enemy  in  that  terrible  artillery  fight.  Some  twenty- 
five  prisoners  were  captured  and  sent  to  the  rear,  some 
of  whom  aided  our  wounded  in  getting  to  the  hospital. 
Three  regiments,  viz.:  the  99th  Pennsylvania,  i24th 
New  York  and  the  4th  Maine  were  represented  in  the 
persons  of  the  prisoners. "  *  *  * 

[NOTE. — These  official  reports  of  Confederate  officers 
in  command  of  troops  who  were  engaged  in  the  capture 
of  the  three  guns,  strongly  corroborate  every  statement 
made  by  me.  When  Hood's  Division  began  the  ad 
vance,  Law's  Brigade  was  on  his  right,  with  Benning's 
in  rear,  while  Robertson's  Brigade  was  on  his  left,  with 
Anderson's  in  rear,  reaching  the  woods  on  our  left. 
Law's  Brigade  moved  to  their  right  to  ascend  Round 
Top  while  Benning  moved  to  their  left  to  fill  the  open- 


132  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

ing  between  Law's  left  and  Robertson's  right.  This 
movement  placed  Benning's  Brigade  across  the  gorge, 
forming  a  line  in  the  order  indicated  in  the  sketch,  to 
wit :  Law' s,  Benning'  s,  Robertson' s,  Anderson' s.  Ben 
ning's  Brigade,  with  right  in  front,  moved  up  through 
the  gorge  by  the  flank  (see  diagram).  This  explains 
how  the  ridge  was  flanked  ;  the  two  guns  were  run  for 
ward  by  hand  to  dispute  Benning's  advance. — J.  E.  S.] 


LETTERS.  133 


CHAPTER   XI 

Letters  from  Participants  in  the  Battle  Referring  to  the 
Part  Taken  by  the  Battery. 

To  CONCLUDE,  I  will  add  a  few  quotations  from  letters, 
etc. 

Correspondence  with  the  New  York  Herald,  in  1864, 
relating  to  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863,  signed 
'  *  Historicus  ' ' : 

*  *  *  «  The  critical  moment  had  now  arrived  ; 
the  enemy's  movements  indicated  their  purpose  to  seize 
Round  Top  hill ;  and  this  in  their  possession,  General 
Longstreet  would  have  had  easy  work  in  cutting  up  our 
left  wing.  To  prevent  this  disaster,  Sickles  waited  no 
longer  for  orders  from  General  Meade,  but  directed  Gen 
eral  Hobart  Ward's  brigade  and  Smith's  Battery  (4th 
New  York  to  secure  that  vital  position."  *  *  * 

A  letter  written  by  Major  Thomas  W.  Bradley,  i24th 
New  York  Volunteers,  and  published  in  the  National 
Ttibune,  February  4,  1886  : 

"Smith's  Battery  has  not  received  in  history  full 
credit  for  the  heroic  and  valuable  work  done  by  its 
members  at  Gettysburg.  I  was  at  that  time  ist  ser 
geant  of  Company  (<  H,"  i24th  New  York.  I  saw 
the  Battery  come  down  Rock  Run  Glen.  The  guns 
were  unlimbered  at  the  foot  of  Rock  Ridge  and  hauled 


134  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

up  the  steep  acclivity  into  position  amid  the  rocks  on 
its  crest,  and  the  Battery  was  soon  engaged  in  a  hot 
duel  with  the  rebel  batteries  on  the  heights  beyond  the 
' '  peach  orchard. ' '  Under  cover  of  the  Confederate  fire, 
Longstreet's  Corps,  massed  in  battle  lines  eight  or  ten 
deep,  moved  in  confident,  rapid  attack  on  our  position. 
The  Battery  changed  from  shell  to  canister,  and,  work 
ing  as  I  never  saw  gunners  work  before  or  since,  tore 
gap  after  gap  through  the  ranks  of  the  advancing  foe. 
All  this  time  the  men  were  exposed  to  the  direct  fire  of 
Longstreet's  Sharpshooters,  and  his  front  line.  Every 
round  of  ammunition  had  to  be  carried  from  the  foot  of 
the  ridge,  the  Battery  keeping  up  a  well-directed  fire 
until  the  enemy  was  at  the  base  of  the  heights  and  the 
guns  could  no  longer  be  depressed  to  reach  him.  Then 
knowing  that  greatly  superior  force  would  overwhelm 
us  and  capture  the  guns  unless  checked,  Colonel  Ellis 
of  the  1 24th,  after  a  few  rapid  words  with  Major  Crom 
well,  ordered  a  charge.  It  was  immediately  responded 
to  and  as  quickly  repulsed.  It  was  again  made  in  the 
face  of  a  withering  fire  that  left  killed  and  wounded 
two-fifths  of  the  regiment.  Flanked  at  the  Devil's  Den 
by  the  turning  of  our  line  at  that  point,  we  were  swept 
from  the  position,  and  the  crest  and  guns  were  for  a 
brief  time  in  possession  of  the  enemy.  Meanwhile  Cap 
tain  Smith  had  removed  horses,  caissons  and  ammuni 
tion,  rendering  the  guns  useless  to  the  enemy,  whose 
hold  on  the  position  was  so  short  that  he  could  not  re 
move  them.  *  *  *  Longstreet's  determined  charge, 
now  so  famous  in  history,  was  so  dauntlessly  met  by  our 
single  line  of  battle  on  the  crest  of  Rock  Ridge,  his 
force  so  terribly  broken  by  the  merciless  fire  of  Smith's 
canister  and  the  fierce  grapple  amid  the  rocks  of  Devil's 
Den.  The  foregoing  account  is  my  recollec 

tion  of  Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863.  It  may  be  faulty;  it 
was  more  than  twenty-two  years  ago,  and  I  was  but  nine 
teen  years  of  age  then.  The  business  cares  and  thoughts 
of  an  active  life  have  come  in  between.  I  was  seriously 


LETTERS.  135 

wounded  in  the  second  charge  and  my  memories  of  the 
last  part  of  the  contest  are  confused  with  the  agony  of 
wounds,   of  being  trampled  under   foot,   carried  and 
placed  helplessly  beside  a  rock  on  the  other  slope  be 
tween  both  fires,  hoping  as  I  lay  there  that  I  might  live 
long  enough  to  see  our  side  win,  which  I  did,  thank 
God  !     I  recovered  and  returned  to  duty.     During  the 
last  of  my  service  I  was  a  major  and  aide-de-camp  on 
the  staff  of  the  Third  Division,  Second  Corps.     This 
Division  was  formed  by  the  remnant  of  the  old  Third 
Corps  left  alive  after  Gettysburg.     I  managed  to  get 
1  plugged  '  a  couple  of  times  after  that  and  yet  see  and 
take  part  in  some  pretty  active  fighting,  but  I  never  saw 
such  a  gallant  rush  'into  the  jaws  of  Hell'   as  was 
made  by  our  little  regiment  that  July  day,  or  a  Battery 
worked  and  fought  with  such  coolness  and  skill,  such 
tireless  devotion,  and  with  such  terrible  havoc  to  the 
enemy.     *     *     *     Without  that  charge  and  the  work 
of  Smith's  Battery,   our  left  would  have  been  more 
seriously  turned;  but  now,  in  the  light  of  after  experi 
ence,  as  I  think  of  it,  what  a  mad  act  it  was.    Our  regi 
ment — a  mere  handful,  at  that — with  no  order  back  of 
its  Colonel,  charging  from  its  base  in  line  of  battle  to 
lock  arms  with  Longstreet.     This  good  it  did,  it  gave 
pluck  and  steadiness  to  the  men  at  our  left,  who  were 
needing  it  and  who  fought  like  heroes,  as  the  slaughter 
house  in  the  Den  abundantly  attested." 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  a  private  letter  (to 
Captain  James  E.  Smith  of  Smith's  4th  New  York  Bat 
tery,  now  of  Washington,  D.  C.)  from  A.  W.  Tucker, 
1 24th  New  York,  Dallas  City,  Pa.,  author  of  the  article 
on  the  ' '  Orange  Blossoms  ' '  in  the  National  Tribune  of 
January  21,  1886: 

' '  You  are  right  in  your  conclusions  why  we  did  not 
bring  off  your  guns.  Your  one  supposition  that  we 
were  too  few  in  numbers  when  relieved,  is  partially  cor- 


J36  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

rect;  and  again  that  we  did  not  occupy  the  same  ground 
as  when  the  fight  opened.  By  the  loss  occasioned  during 
the  battle,  we  had  kept  closing  to  the  right,  so  that  when 
relieved,  my  company,  which  was  on  the  left  of  the  regi 
ment,  was  where  the  right  of  the  regiment  was  when  the 
fight  opened.  Hence,  we  were  at  least  one  hundred 
yards  to  the  right  of  your  guns.  I  do  not  know  what 
troops  were  in  the  vicinity  of  the  guns,  but  think  it 
must  have  been  the  ggth  Pennsylvania.  I  am  glad  to 
be  able  to  clear  up  the  mystery  why  we  failed  to  bring- 
off  your  guns."  *  *  *. 

Extract  from  a  letter  published  in  National  Tribune 
January  21,  1886,  by  A.  W.  Tucker,  Company  "B," 
1 24th  New  York,  Dallas  City,  Pa.: 

"A  short  time  previous,  Smith's  Battery 
went  into  position  about  two  rods  to  the  left  and  front 
of  Company  "  B  "  of  our  regiment.  I  was  where  I  could 
see  every  movement  and  hear  every  order.  It  had 
hardly  taken  position  before  a  rebel  battery  on  the  Em- 
mittsburg  ridge  opened  on  it.  Smith's  Battery  re 
sponded  in  gallant  style.  The  rebels  then  brought  two 
more  batteries  of  six  guns  each  in  position,  nearly  in 
front  of  our  regiment  and  not  half  a  mile  distant.  Their 
efforts  to  silence  Smith's  Battery  made  our  position  al 
most  untenable.  Our  Colonel  (Ellis)  moved  us  by  the 
right  flank  into  the  woods  on  which  our  right  rested.  I 
judge  he  thought,  after  he  had  got  us  in  there  that  in 
stead  of  the  woods  being  a  protection  they  made  our 
next  position  more  hazardous  than  the  one  we  had  just 
abandoned.  We  were  soon  moved  by  the  left  flank  back 
to  our  old  position,  Company  "  B  "  resting  within  a  few 
feet  of  Smith's  Battery.  During  all  this  time  the  can 
nonading  was  going  on  incessantly.  *  *  *  It 
lasted  for  about  an  hour.  There  were  gome  several 
casualties  in  our  regiment  from  the  enemy's  shells. 
About  3  P.  M.  the  cannonading  seemed  to  stop  by  mutual 


€ 


J     HARVEY    HANFORD. 


LETTERS.  137 

consent,  as  though  for  a  breathing  spell;  but  it  was  of 
short  duration.  At  once  we  could  see  emerge  from  the 
woods  along  the  Kmmittsburg  road  a  deployed  rebel 
skirmish  line;  within  supporting  distance  was  a  long  line 
of  battle  extending  in  either  direction  as  far  as  the  eye 
could  reach.  It  was  followed  by  a  second  and  third  line, 
each  in  supporting  distance.  It  was  at  this  particular 
time  tLat  Smith's  Battery  did  splendid  service.  The 
guns  were  worked  to  their  utmost,  every  order  was  given 
in  a  clear,  distinct  tone  that  could  be  heard  above  the 
tumult.  I  heard  the  gunners  directed  to  use  five  and 
six  second  fuse,  and  when  the  gunners  reported  that  the 
case  shot  and  shrapnel  were  all  gone,  I  heard  the  order, 
'  Give  them  shell !  Give  them  solid  shot !  Damn  them, 
give  them  anything.' 

' '  The  guns  were  worked  until  the  ammunition  was 
gone,  several  of  the  Battery  men  had  been  shot  and  the 
rebels  were  within  pistol  range."  *  *  * 

A  letter  published  in  the  National  Tribune  December 
23,  1885,  from  J.  Harvey  Hanford,  Unionville,  Orange 
County,  New  York,  formerly  of  the  i24th  New  York: 

To  the  Editor  : 

"  In  a  late  issue  of  the  National  Tribune  you  invite 
a  minute  description  of  an  active  private  soldier's  ex 
perience  on  the  battlefield  of  Gettysburg.  I  will  try 
to  give  you  a  part  of  mine.  I  was  2d  sergeant  of  Com 
pany  "B"  1 2/j.th  N.  Y.  Vols.,  and  together  with  the 
rest  of  the  regiment  and  others  reached  the  vicinity  of 
Gettysburg  at  8.30  P.  M.,  July  i,  1863.  We  lay  down 
in  an  open  field,  with  orders  to  sleep  on  our  arms,  and 
not  take  off  an  article  of  clothing  or  any  of  our  accou- 
terments.  This  was  hard  sauce  after  such  a  march  as 
we  had  had;  but  soldier-like,  we  had  to  take  it  out  in 
grumbling.  Early  in  the  morning  of  the  2d  we  got  our 
breakfast,  and  were  then  formed  in  line  of  battle  behind 
a  stone  wall — an  excellent  position  we  thought.  Not 


13*  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

long  after  the  order  '  Forward,  march ! '  was  given, 
and  after  crossing  one  or  two  fields  we  came  to  the  fa 
mous  wheat-field — and,  by  the  way,  it  was  the  finest  I 
ever  saw,  the  wheat  breast-high  and  ready  to  cut — but 
we  marched  through  and  over  it  in  line  of  battle,  and 
on  looking  back  not  a  stock  could  be  found,  for  it  was 
all  trodden  out  of  sight.  When  nearly  through  the 
wheat-field  the  order  was  given,  '  By  the  left  flank, 
march  ! '  and  when  halt  was  sounded,  I  being  the  ex 
treme  left  man  in  the  regiment,  I  found  myself  on 
the  rocks  at  Devil's  Den.  A  battery  of  guns,  com 
manded  by  Captain  Smith,  was  soon  in  our  midst.  On 
this  spot  we  lounged  for  some  time,  taking  it  easy. 
Our  signal  corps  was  a  little  to  the  left  and  rear  of  us, 
on  Little  Round  Top.  Presently  a  shell  came  shriek 
ing  and  bursting  near  us;  we  needed  no  order  or  invi 
tation  to  get  behind  the  rocks,  but  did  so  at  once. 
Then  followed  the  usual  cannonading  until  the  infantry 
of  the  Confederates  got  so  close  as  to  pick  off  all  our 
gunners.  Then  shone  out  the  bravery  of  Captain 
Smith.  When  he  had  not  men  enough  left  to  man  the 
guns,  he  would  come  to  us  and  ask  and  beg  of  us  to 
help  him  fire  them.  Then  he  would  run  back  to  the 
guns  and  do  what  he  could,  and  then  back  to  us,  and, 
with  tears  in  his  eyes  would  say:  '  For  God's  sake, 
men,  don't  let  them  take  my  guns  away  from  me!' 
(Twenty- two  years  ago,  yet  I  can  see  his  looks  and 
hear  his  voice.)  O,  how  I  would  like  to  see  him  and 
thank  him  for  what  he  then  did,  and  if  this  meets  his 
eye  I  would  like  to  have  him  write  to  me.  We  were 
ordered  to  charge,  and  charge  we  did,  driving  the  enemy 
back  to  the  foot  of  the  hill.  We  made  four  charges 
that  afternoon,  and  held  our  ground  until  out  of  ammu 
nition. 

' '  A  little  incident  happened  after  our  last  charge.  As 
I  was  kneeling  behind  a  rock  and  loading  my  gun, 
Lieutenant  Dennison,  of  the  next  company,  had  picked 
up  a  gun,  and,  there  being  a  rock  to  my  left  hand,  he 


BETTERS. 


139 


jumped  over  my  arms  and  caught  his  toe  in  my  ram 
rod,  bending  it  so  I  could  not  use  it.  I  scolded  him 
for  it,  but  looking  around  I  picked  up  another  one. 
The  Ivieutenant  squatted  behind  the  rock,  and  was  in 
the  act  of  firing  his  gun  when  he  was  struck  by  a  bul 
let  in  the  leg.  With  a  cry,  '  I've  got  it,  I've  got  it,'  he 
started  for  the  rear,  but  before  getting  far  another  one 
struck  him,  so  he  had  to  be  carried  off  the  field.  While 
I  was  behind  the  rock  I  was  struck  four  times,  but  not 
seriously.  My  attention  was  all  the  time  on  an  open 
space,  apparently  like  a  pair  of  bars,  in  the  stone  wall 
at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  behind  which  the  enemy  had 
taken  cover.  Into  this  I  did  most  of  my  firing,  as  it 
was  all  the  time  crowded  full  of  men.  After  using  all 
my  ammunition  I  went  back  to  and  over  the  brow  of 
the  hill,  and  there  saw  we  were  about  to  be  relieved  by 
other  troops.  What  there  was  left  of  us  passed  through 
the  ranks  of  the  fresh  troops,  and  we  made  our  way  to 
the  rear.  Our  regiment,  which  was  raised  in  Orange 
County,  N.  Y.,  and  was  by  its  Colonel  (Ellis)  called 
the  '  Orange  Blossoms,'  with  the  aid  of  citizens  of  the 
county,  have  erected  a  nice  monument  on  the  ground 
where  we  fought.  This  was  all  the  fighting  we  were 
m  at  this  battle,  as  we  were  so  badly  cut  up  as  to  be 
hardly  a  show  of  a  regiment. 

' '  I  saw  in  a  paper  some  time  ago  that  our  twin  regi 
ment,  the  86th  New  York,  which  was  on  our  right,  were 
going  to  erect  a  monument  on  the  ground,  and  I  hope 
they  will.  I  think  when  the  battle  commenced  on  the 
second  day  I  was  the  last  man  on  the  extreme  left  of 
the  army.  I  know  that  at  one  time  the  enemy  had 
passed  our  left  flank  and  were  enfilading  us;  but  it  was 
only  for  a  minute  or  two.  Our  regiment  holds  a  reunion 
each  year,  this  year  in  Middletown,  Orange  County,  N. 
Y.,  September  23,  1885.  I  wish  we  could  see  a  good 
number  of  the  86th  New  York  with  us. 

"J.  HARVEY  HANFORD, 
"  2dSergt.  Co.  '#,'  1241/1  N.  K, 
"Unionville,  Orange  Co.,  IV.  Y. " 


14°  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

Extract  from  a  letter  published  in  Orange  County 
Press,  August  10,  1883. 

' '  The  field  and  woods  are  as  they  were  ex 
cept  the  wheat.  I  could  tell  where  the  Battery  stood 
in  front  of  us  that  did  such  fearful  execution.  And 
how  often  do  I  think  of  the  Captain's  bravery  and  his 
appeals  to  us  not  to  let  his  guns  be  taken  from  him." 
(J.  HARVEY  HANFORD,  124.1/1  N.  Y.  Vols.,  "Orange 
Blossoms:'} 

Extract  of  letter  from  Elijah  Walker,  Colonel  4th 
Maine,  Somerville,  Mass. 

*  *  *  ' '  \Ve  took  position  on  the  left,  our  right 
connecting  with  or  near  to  the  1 24th  New  York.  A 
part  of  my  command  was  to  the  right  and  a  part  to  the 
left  of  Smith's  Battery,  and  it  was  the  left  of  the  army 
at  that  time.  I  was  ordered  farther  to  the  left,  into  the 
Devil's  Den,  leaving  Smith's  Battery  exposed,  against 
which  I  remonstrated;  but  Captain  Smith  said  he  could 
take  care  of  his  guns  and  did  not  want  my  help.  I 
moved  to  the  left,  across  the  Den,  to  the  woods,  with 
my  right  forming  a  skirmish  line  near  the  largest  works, 
and  my  left  in  line  of  battle  near  the  woods,  or  bushes, 
at  the  foot  of  Round  Top.  We  were  attacked  by  a 
skirmish-line  in  the  Den,  and  on  our  left  flank  by  a  force 
from  the  woods.  To  meet  these  latter,  the  left  of  my 
line  was  refused  and  their  attack  was  repulsed.  I  then 
found  that  the  enemy  was  coming  over  Smith's  guns  in 
the  rear  of  my  right.  Here  was  a  desperate  struggle. 
We  fell  back,  fixed  bayonets,  charged,  re-took  Smith's 
guns  and  established  our  line  in  rear  of  them,  with  my 
right  near  the  I24th  New  York.  My  line  thus  formed, 
my  left  was  exposed,  and  for  a  few  minutes  we  had  a  hot 
time  there,  but  the  ggth  Pennsylvania  Reserves  came 
up  in  our  rear  and  formed  on  our  left,  swinging  back 
and  facing  the  Den;  but  they  did  not  go  beyond  the 


LETTERS.  141 

high  ground,  and  the  4th  Maine  was  the  only  regiment 
that  had  a  line  of  men  in  the  Devil's  Den,  July  2,  1863, 
between  the  hours  of  3  and  6  o'clock  p.  M.,  all  stories 
that  have  been  told  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 
We  held  the  line  until  the  entire  brigade  fell  back,  when 
I  was  led  to  the  rear  by  two  of  my  men.  My  horse  had 
been  killed,  and  I  had  lost  the  use  of  one  leg." 

"  Capt.  James  E.  Smith. 

"Dear  Comrade :  In  compliance  with  your  request 
that  I  send  you  a  brief  statement  of  my  recollection  of 
the  part  taken  by  a  section  of  your  Battery,  the  4th  New 
York  Independent,  in  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  from  my 
personal  observation,  I  take  pleasure  in  furnishing  my 
evidence  as  to  the  important  and  signal  service  rendered 
by  you  in  that  memorable  engagement,  from  my  point 
of  view. 

"As  preliminary,  however,  I  will  state  that  the  Fifth 
Corps,  of  which  my  regiment,  the  44th  New  York, 
formed  a  part,  reached  the  Gettysburg  battle-field  on 
the  morning  of  July  2d,  1863,  and  was  stationed  on 
the  right  of  the  Union  line.  In  the  afternoon  General 
Sykes  in  command  of  the  Corps  was  ordered  to  protect 
the  left  of  the  line,  and  about  4  p.  M.  we  were  moved 
rapidly  to  the  left,  where  Sickles  was  engaged  with  the 
Third  Corps  in  meeting  and  repelling  the  assault  of 
Longstreet.  When  we  reached  the  wheat-field  we 
were  halted  and  formed  in  line  of  battle.  At  this  time 
General  Warren,  who  was  then  a  member  of  General 
Meade's  staff,  rode  up  and  urged  the  necessity  of  seizing 
"  Little  Round  Top,"  a  rocky  hill  to  the  left  and  rear 
of  our  then  line  of  battle.  General  Sykes,  appreciating 
the  importance  of  Warren's  suggestion,  immediately 
detached  the  Third  Brigade  of  the  First  Division,  consist 
ing  of  the  83d  Pennsylvania,  2oth  Maine,  i6th  Michigan, 
and  44th  New  York,  to  which  latter  regiment  I  had  the 
honor  to  belong;  and  we  were  at  once  turned  over  to 
General  Warren  and  double-quicked  to  the  rear  of  L,it- 


1 42  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

tie  Round  Top,  fronted  and  moved  over  the  crest  in  the 
line  of  battle  to  a  position  a  little  more  than  half  way 
down  the  slope,  the  i6th  Michigan  occupying  the 
right,  the  44th  New  York  and  83d  Pennsylvania  the 
centre,  and  the  2Oth  Maine  the  left.  In  front  of  Little 
Round  Top  was  a  wood,  beyond  which  was  a  wide, 
open  space  of  field,  on  the  further  edg<e  of  which 
appeared  another  piece  of  woods.  As  we  moved  for 
ward  over  the  crest  of  Little  Round  Top,  I  noticed 
three  heavy  lines  of  battle  of  the  enemy  emerging  from 
the  farther  woods  and  advancing  on  our  front.  At  the 
foot  of  Little  Round  Top,  and  extending  around  our 
right,  was  a  ravine  or  gorge  leading  out  of  the  woods 
in  our  front  and  to  our  right  and  rear,  beyond  which 
was  a  rocky  ridge  or  spur  occupied  by  a  battery  then 
in  action,  apparently  forming  the  left  of  the  Union  line 
prior  to  our  occupancy  of  Little  Round  Top. 

' '  We  had  hardly  obtained  our  position  in  line  of  bat 
tle,  when  our  skirmishers  were  rapidly  driven  in  by  the 
advancing  enemy,  and  a  heavy  assault  was  made  by 
them  on  the  centre  of  our  line  by  Hood's  division  of 
Texans,  belonging  to  Longstreet's  Corps,  and  the  battle 
for  a  time  raged  with  terrific  ferocity,  neither  side  giv 
ing  an  inch.  Suddenly  about  this  time  we  heard  the 
whirr  of  grape,  canister  and  shell  over  our  heads,  and 
learned  that  Hazlett's  Battery  "D,"  5th  Regular  Artil 
lery,  had  been  hauled  up  by  hand  and  placed  in  posi 
tion  on  the  crest  of  Little  Round  Top,  in  our  rear.  The 
combined  fire  from  our  line  and  from  this  Battery  caused 
the  rebel  line  in  our  front  to  recoil  and  surge  toward 
the  right,  and  we  were  relieved  from  anxiety  as  to  our 
immediate  front,  and  enabled  to  turn  our  attention  to 
the  right,  where  our  line  had  apparently  given  away 
and  the  rebels  were  surging  over  the  rocky  ridge  beyond 
the  ravine  occupied  by  the  battery  already  mentioned 
as  in  action  at  the  time  we  took  the  position.  At  this 
time  I  noticed  in  the  ravine  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  im 
mediately  on  our  right,  two  guns,  apparently  without 


LETTERS.  143 

any  support,  being  rapidly  loaded  and  fired  into  a  col 
umn  of  rebels  advancing  up  the  ravine,  in  the  direction 
of  the  guns,  without  regular  formation,  but  in  a  heavy 
mass  composed  of  several  regiments,  judging  from  the 
number  of  stands  of  colors  in  close  proximity,  and  ap 
parently  intent  on  capturing  the  guns.     From  the  more 
elevated  position  occupied  by  our  line  we  were  better 
enabled  to  see  this  advancing  force  than  the  officer  in 
command  of  the  guns,  and   believing  he  was  not  fully 
aware  of  his  perilous  position,  I  felt  much  anxiety  for 
the  safety  of  the  guns,  and  my  special  attention  was  at 
tracted  by  the  gallant  manner  in  which  they  were  han 
dled  and  fought ;  the  rapidity  with  which    they  were 
loaded  and  fired,  and  the  terrible  execution  wrought  by 
their  charges  of  grape  and  canister  on  the  head  of  the 
advancing  column  of  the  enemy.     More  especially  was 
my  attention  attracted  to  the  officer  in  command,  who 
immediately  after  each  discharge  rushed  out  beyond 
the  volume  of  smoke  from  his  guns  for  the  purpose  of 
observing  the  effect  of  the  shot,   and  the  position  and 
proximity  of  the  enemy,  when  he  would  rush  back, 
seize  the  trail  of  a  gun,  slew  it  around  for  the  purpose 
of  directing  the  fire  a  little  to  the  right  or  left,  and  send 
another  charge  of  canister  down  the  ravine  to  his  front. 
Meantime  we  were  delivering  a  galling  fire  into  the 
flank  of  this  rebel  column,  which  apparently  paid  little 
attention  to  us,  being  intent  on  capturing  the  guns  and 
turning  our  flank.     From  the  effect  of  our  fire  and  the 
terrible  storm  of  grape  and  canister  poured,  into  the 
head  of  the  column  at  close  range  from  the  two  guns  in 
the  ravine,  they  went  down  in  scores ;  at  times  two  or 
three  stands  of  colors  seemed  to  go  to  the  ground  at 
once,  but  they  were  immediately  picked  up,  and  the  col 
umn,  or  more  properly,  mass  of  rebels,  for  they  had  lost 
all  regular  formation,  surged  steadily  forward  until  they 
were  enveloped  by  the  smoke  of  the  last  discharge  of 
these  two  guns  in  their  very  faces.     At  the  same  time 
the  guns  were  enveloped  from  the  right  and  flank  by  the 


144  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

rebel  line  that  rushed  over  the  rocky  ridge  on  the  right, 
and  the  gunners  were  compelled  to  abandon  the  guns 
and  were  forced  back  through  the  opening  in  our  line  to 
our  right  and  rear. 

"  At  this  time  a  portion  of  the  i6th  Michigan,  form 
ing  the  right  of  our  brigade,  was  forced  back  to  the 
crest  of  the  hill,  and  our  brigade  commander,  General 
Vincent,  was  mortally  wounded. 

4 '  I  did  not  know  then  to  what  battery  the  two  guns 
belonged  or  who  commanded  them,  but  the  brave  fight 
they  made  without  support,  in  the  very  teeth  of  the  ad 
vancing  enemy,  and  the  gallant  conduct  of  their  com 
manding  officer,  are  features  so  forcibly  impressed  upon 
my  memory  as  never  to  be  effaced. 

"Some  years  after  the  war  (1888)  when  on  a  visit  to 
Gettysburg  battle-field  with  a  comrade  of  my  regiment, 
D.  W.  Harrington,  now,  and  for  some  years  past,  Chief 
of  the  Division  of  Accounts,  U.  S.  Treasury  Depart 
ment,  we  were  looking  over  the  ground  and  recalling 
incidents  of  the  battle,  when  I  referred  to  that  related 
above  concerning  the  fight  made  by  these  two  guns  in 
the  ravine  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  on  our  right,  and  re 
marked  that  I  would  give  considerable  to  know  the  name 
of  the  officer  commanding  those  guns,  and  to  what  bat 
tery  they  belonged. 

' '  At  the  time  of  this  conversation  with  Comrade  Har 
rington,  I  noticed  a  fine  appearing,  military  looking 
gentleman  near  us  who  seemed  much  interested  in  my 
relation  of  the  incident  and  who  immediately  intro 
duced  himself  as  Captain  James  E.  Smith,  who  had  the 
honor  to  command  a  Battery,  the  4th  New  York,  to 
which  he  assured  me  the  section  referred  to  belonged, 
as  well  as  the  guns  on  the  rocky  ridge  to  the  right  of 
the  ravine,  which  I  had  noticed  in  action  at  the  time 
we  went  into  position  on  Little  Round  Top,  and  which 
he  informed  me  were  captured  when  the  enemy  gained 
the  ridge. 

"  It  is  needless  to  say  that  that  gentleman  was  your- 


LETTERS.  145 

self,  and  the  acquaintance  made  with  you  that  day  has 
continued,  and  has  always  been  regarded  by  me  as  one 
of  the  pleasant  episodes  of  my  life.  In  my  own  humble 
opinion,  the  service  performed  by  you  with  those  two 
guns  was  of  vital  importance,  at  a  critical  juncture  of 
the  battle,  when  the  weight  and  force  of  the  rebel  on 
slaught  had  shattered  our  line  on  the  right  of  Round 
Top,  and  success  was  trembling  in  the  balance;  when 
the  holding  of  the  left  with  tenacity  and  determina 
tion  until  the  victorious  enemy  could  be  checked,  and 
the  gap  closed,  meant  victory  or  defeat  to  our  army  in 
the  event  of  failure.  Your  services  at  that  critical  point 
and  time  can  not,  in  my  opinion,  be  over-estimated,  and 
the  record  you  made  on  that  day  is  one  of  which  any 
soldier  may  well  feel  proud. 

"  It  is  generally  conceded  by  writers  on  the  battle, 
that  had  the  line  on  Round  Top  held  by  our  brigade 
given  away  at  that  time,  the  result  would  have  been 
far  different,  and  in  my  opinion,  the  obstinate  fight 
made  by  you  with  the  two  guns  in  the  ravine  on  the 
right  of  that  line,  which  had  already  begun  to  give 
back,  checked  the  rebel  advance,  and  afforded  time  to 
meet  and  drive  them  back,  and  thus  enabled  us  to  hold 
our  position,  which  possibly  we  would  have  been  com 
pelled  to  abandon,  had  the  column  checked  by  you  had 
a  few  moments  more  time  to  have  got  through  the 
opening  in  our  line. 

"I  make  this  statement  in  justice  to  you  in  view 
of  my  personal  observation,  because  of  the  fact  that 
official  reports  appear  to  be  confined  more  especially 
to  the  operations  of  that  portion  of  your  Battery 
engaged  earlier  in  the  action,  on  the  rocky  ridge 
farther  to  the  right  and  front,  and  to  have  overlooked 
this  section  farther  to  the  rear  in  the  ravine,  and  failed 
to  recognize  the  important  service  performed  by  it,  and 
because  I  believe  your  natural  modesty  impelled  you 
to  omit  from  your  official  report  anything  that  might 


I46  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

be  construed  as  egotistical,  and  hence  failed  to  do  you 
full  justice. 

I  am  sincerely  your  friend  and  comrade, 

WM.  J.  JOHNSTON, 

Late  ^th  N.   K,  3rd  Brigade,  ist  Div.,  5th  Corps. 
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW,  629  F  STREET, 
WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

Extract  from  a  history  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps : 

*  *  *  "  T he  whole  Confederate  line  was  sweeping 
from  out  the  woods  in  which  it  had  formed,  far  out 
flanking  the  left  of  the  Third  Corps,  and,  where  Smith's 
Battery,  in  air  and  almost  unsupported,  on  the  rocks  of 
the  Devil's  Den,  gallantly  waited  its  doom,  and  between 
that  left  and  the  Round  Tops  the  way  to  the  death  of 
the  Nation  lay  invitingly  open  to  the  confidently  ad 
vancing  enemy.  *  *  *  General  Sykes  discovering 
the  undefended  gorge  upon  the  left  of  the  Third  Corps 
line  and  the  inadequacy  of  the  support  given  to  Smith's 
Battery,  he  suggested  to  General  Birney  to  close  his 
division  line  upon  the  Battery,  while  he  (Sykes)  would 
fill  the  gap  which  would  be  made  by  the  movement 
with  troops  from  the  Fifth  Corps."  *  *  * 

[NoTK. — The  history  by  the  Comte  de  Paris  has 
much  to  say  upon  this  subject,  but  as  it  is  based  upon 
the  facts  already  introduced,  it  is  thought  to  be  un 
necessary  to  quote  therefrom.  The  same  can  be  said 
of  the  letters  recently  published  in  the  Century  Maga 
zine.—].  E.  S.] 


REMARKS   AND   CRITICISMS.  147 


CHAPTER  XII 

Remarks  and  Criticisms 

IT  will  be  noticed  that  several  allusions  have  been 
made  to  the  protection  furnished  by  the  large  boulders 
which  covered  the  ground  in  the  vicinity  of  the  ridge. 
I  can  bear  witness  that  these  rocks  served  to  protect, 
and  no  doubt,  preserve  the  lives  of  many  during  that 
battle;  to  their  friendly  shelter  may  be  attributed  the 
small  loss,  comparatively  speaking,  sustained  by  the 
Battery.  Not  that  the  men  dodged  nor  neglected  their 
duty;  this  was  by  no  means  the  case,  but  the  close 
proximity  of  the  boulders  to  the  guns  made  it  possible 
for  the  cannoneers  to  step  behind  them  during  the  dis 
charge  of  their  respective  pieces.  I  believe  in  this 
manner  the  enemy's  artillery  was  cheated,  for  notwith 
standing  their  excellent  and  accurate  aim,  not  one  man 
in  the  Battery  was  touched  by  their  numerous  shot  and 
shells  which  landed  on  the  crest,  or  the  countless  mis 
siles  sent  whizzing  through  the  air,  as  the  result  of 
larger  metal  coming  in  contact  with  the  rocks. 

The  position  occupied  by  the  monument  erected  by 
the  State  of  New  York  is  not  upon  the  ground  where 
the  guns  were  stationed;  its  location  is  in  a  hole  and 
indicates  that  the  line  of  the  Battery's  fire  was  in  the 
direction  of  the  "  peach  orchard." 

I  am  not  prepared  to  say  that  this  unfortunate  position 


I48  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

of  the  monument,  intended  to  commemorate  the  posi 
tion  held  by  the  guns,  was  the  result  of  design  or  mis 
apprehension;  certain  it  is,  my  efforts  were  exerted  to 
the  extent  of  my  ability,  backed  by  such  eminent  author 
ity  as  the  late  Gen.  H.  J.  Hunt,  Chief  of  Artillery  of 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  Col.  George  E.  Ran 
dolph,  Chief  of  Third  Corps  Artillery,  not  to  mention 
the  rank  and  file  of  the  "  Orange  Blossoms,"  who  were 
interested  spectators  for  more  than  one  hour,  as  they 
lay  within  a  few  feet  of  the  guns  during  the  artillery 
duel.  The  only  thing  I  could  do  was  to  enter  my 
earnest  protest.  In  the  future  the  monument  may  be 
properly  located;  at  least  such  is  my  hope.  The  fol 
lowing  resolution  will  show  that  the  Battery  Associa 
tion  has  done  all  that  it  could  to  have  this  rectified: 

(Copy.) 

" HEADQUARTERS 
"4th  N.  Y.  IND.  BATTERY  ASSOCIATION, 

"781  EIGHTH  AVENUE, 
"NEW  YORK  CITY,  October  3  is/,  1888. 

"  Major  Geo.  W.  Cooney,  Secretary. 

1 '  Dear  Major:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  follow 
ing  extract  from  minutes  of  meeting  of  above-mentioned 
Association,  held  on  Thursday  evening,  October  30,  1888: 
'  Whereas,  in  the  judgment  of  several  members  of  the 
4th  N.  Y.  Independent  Battery  Association  (who  partici 
pated  in  the  Battle  of  Gettysburg,  Pa.,  on  July  2,  1863, 
and  who  have  subsequently  visited  the  scene  of  the  con 
flict),  tha  location  of  the  Battery  Monument  erected 
thereon  is  not  historically  correct;  Therefore,  be  it 

"  '  Resolved,  That  the  Honorable  Board  of  New  York 
State  Commissioners  of  Gettysburg  Monuments  be 
most  respectfully  petitioned  to  change  the  location  of 


REMARKS   AND   CRITICISMS.  1 49 

the  Monument,  in  accordance  with  views  previously  ex 
pressed  by 

"  '  Gen.  HUNT,  Chief  of  Artillery,  A.  of  P. 
11 '  Col.  RANDOLPH,  Chief  of  Artillery,  3d  Corps. 
"  '  Capt.  JAS.  E.  SMITH,  Commanding  Battery.' 
"  Yours  very  truly, 
"  (Signed)  JAS.  S.  FRASER." 

"  Acting  Secretary." 

During  the  25th  Anniversary  of  the  battle,  July  2, 
1888,  the  late  General  Hunt  visited  Devil's  Den  in  my 
company;  standing  on  the  same  large  rock  we  occupied 
together  twenty-five  years  before  (while  the  guns  on 
our  right  were  actively  replying  to  those  of  the  Confed 
erates)  he  said:  ' '  Captain,  get  a  painter  and  have  painted 
upon  this  rock  the  fact  that  your  left  piece  rested  within 
a  few  feet,  and  to  the  north,  of  this  point,  and  you  will 
have  a  historical  monument  located  upon  the  ground 
occupied  by  your  guns  on  this  ridge.  If  you  had  placed 
your  pieces  down  where  the  monument  stands,  I  would 
have  placed  you  in  arrest  for  incompetency.  It  is  not 
flattering  to  my  intelligence  as  an  artillerist  to  infer  that 
I  did  countenance  such  a  position  while  a  better  one 
was  to  be  had." 

I  will  add  that  General  Hunt  repeated  the  sub 
stance  of  the  above  conversation  to  General  Sickles  at 
dinner  that  very  day,  and  subsequently,  in  a  letter  to 
me,  which  I  filed  with  the  Secretary  of  the  New  York 
Monument  Committee.  It  is  not  my  purpose  to  furnish 
the  cause — I  merely  state  the  facts. 

It  may  be  well  to  add  that  when  General  Hunt  and 
I  met  in  1888,  we  talked  over  and  explained  several 
matters  not  made  clear  before,  by  walking  over  the 


I5O  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

ground  and  pointing  out  the  different  positions  occupied 
by  the  Battery,  etc.  The  General  expressed  his  aston 
ishment  at  having  failed  to  realize  the  importance  of 
the  service  rendered  by  the  two  pieces  in  rear  of  the 
crest.  "  I  never  could,"  said  he,  "understand  about 
those  two  guns,  but  now  you  have  made  everything 
very  plain.  If  I  had  known  this  before  writing  my 
Century  article,  it  could  have  been  used  to  good  advan 
tage.  But  never  mind,  I  have  been  asked  to  write  a 
history  of  the  artillery,  and  may  do  so;  in  the  mean 
time  you  can  furnish  me  with  a  supplemental  statement 
to  your  official  report,  which,  by  the  way,  is  very  short, 
and,  in  my  opinion,  does  not  cover  the  ground  fully." 

One  word  more  before  I  leave  this  field.  Many  his 
tories  have  been  written  by  various  authors  whose  in 
formation  was  obtained  from  the  best  and  most  reliable 
sources,  much  of  it,  presumably,  from  eye-witnesses. 
That  of  the  Compte  de  Paris  is,  beyond  doubt,  the  most 
exhaustive  and  impartial  as  well  as  the  most  correct. 
In  no  other  history,  so  far  as  I  know,  has  the  slightest 
reference  been  made  to  the  Battery,  notwithstanding 
this  undeniable  fact,  that  the  Battery  opened  the  battle 
at  Devil's  Den  and  closed  it  just  in  rear  of  the  ridge,  so 
far  as  the  troops  of  the  Third  Corps  were  concerned. 

Without  a  desire  to  appear  conspicuous,  I  assert  now 
for  the  first  time  publicly,  that  I  was  the  very  last  com 
missioned  officer,  and,  I  believe,  the  last  person,  to  with 
draw  from  the  Federal  left,  occupied  by  and  attached  to 
Ward's  Brigade.  I  arrive  at  this  conclusion  in  this 
manner,  to  wit:  I  sent  every  man,  horse  and  carriage 
into  the  woods  on  a  road  leading  to  the  ' '  wheat-field, ' ' 
following  in  rear  until  the  woods  were  passed.  Those 


REMARKS   AND   CRITICISMS.  15! 

who  remained  behind  me  were  disabled  and  were  be 
yond  the  ridge,  then  held  by  the  enemy. 

I  allude  to  the  ground  in  front  and  west  of  Little 
Round  Top,  where  the  left  of  the  Third  Corps  fought 
until  relieved  by  the  presence  of  the  Fifth  'Corps  on  the 
summit  of  L,ittle  Round  Top.  For  not  one  moment 
of  the  four  long  hours  consumed  on  the  ridge  and  at 
the  position  a  few  rods  in  rear,  was  my  attention  di 
verted  from  the  work  before  us.  Kvery  movement  of 
the  enemy  was  closely  observed,  the  panorama  lay  be 
fore  me  like  a  map.  I  believed  then  as  I  do  now,  that 
my  command  had  done  nobly,  and  that  their  efforts 
would  be  duly  recognized.  I  believed  then,  as  I  do 
now,  that  our  position  was  wrested  from  us  by  men 
equally  brave  and  determined,  superior  only  in  point  of 
numbers.  But  time  passed  from  days  to  weeks  and 
from  weeks  to  months,  and  so  on  into  long  years  with 
out  the  scantiest  evidence  in  the  way  of  recognition.  I 
became  careless  and  made  up  my  mind  to  forget  that 
the  Battery  had  been  engaged  in  this  battle. 

At  last,  twenty-two  years  after  the  conflict,  an  en 
listed  man  who  served  in  the  ranks  of  the* 'Orange 
Blossoms"  made  honorable  mention  of  the  Battery 
(see  J.  Harvey  Hanford's  letter),  and  I  am  proud  to 
know  there  are  other  men,  too,  now  living  who  can  tes 
tify  to  the  conduct  of  the  Battery  and  who  have  not 
forgotten  the  danger  shared  on  the  rock-bound  crest  of 
Devil's  Den.  At  this  time  the  Rebellion  Records  had 
not  been  published. 

Extract  from  a  letter  written  by  General  Hunt  in 
1883  in  response  to  one  asking  why  the  Battery  had 
not  been  credited  with  having  rendered  some  service  at 
Gettysburg  July  2,  1863: 


152  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  August  9,  1883. 

*  "  I  do  not  wonder  at  your  feeling  sore  be 
cause  little  or  no  mention  has  been  made  of  your  Bat 
tery.      When  the  war  closed  all  official  papers  were 
taken  in  charge  by  the  War  Department,  and  carefully 
locked  up  where  none  but  the  initiated  had  access  to 
them.     *     *     *     I  remember  that  your  Battery  occu 
pied  a  position  cut  off  from  the  general  view  by  a  strip 
of  woods.     There  was  no  Corps  Commander  there  to  be 
boomed,    consequently,  no   newspaper   correspondent. 

*  Your  Battery  imposed  a  delay  on  Hood's 
troops  at  Devil's  Den,  which  gave  time  to  Warren  to 
hasten  forward  defenders  for  little  Round  Top,  which, 
it  is  claimed,  was  lost  by  the  enemy  by  less  than  five 
minutes,  hence  the  importance  of  your  fight  at  Devil's 
Den,  of  which  little  or  no  notice  has  been  taken.  They 
did  things  strangely  in  those  days. ' ' 

Extract  from  endorsement  made  by  General  Hunt, 
Soldier's  Home,  Washington,  February  23,  1886: 

"Captain  J.  E.  Smith  commanded  the  4th  New  York 
Battery,  Third  Corps,  Army  of  the  Potomac.  *  *  * 
At  the  Battle  of  Gettysburg  he  greatly  distinguished 
himself  and  his  Battery,  under  my  personal  observation, 
in  the  advanced  position  on  the  left  of  the  Third  Corps 
line. 

"  His  Battery  was  posted  by  him  on  Devil's  Den  and 
maintained  its  position  so  long  as  a  man  was  left  to 
protect  it." 

From  a  letter  to  General  Sheridan: 

*  *  *  "Captain  Smith,  late  of  the  4th  New 
York  Battery,  was  an  excellent  officer  and  greatly  dis 
tinguished  himself  at  Gettysburg,  where  his  Battery, 
alone  and  but  feebly  supported,  bore  the  first  assault  of 
Hood's  Division  on  Devil's  Den,  in  front  of  Round  Top 
in  the  battle  of  the  second  day — (Sickles)." 


REMARKS   AND   CRITICISMS.  153 

There  is  nothing  on  record  from  the  pen  of  Major- Gen 
eral  D.  K.  Sickles,  who  commanded  the  Corps  until  he 
fell  on  the  evening  of  the  second  day,  but  I  have  many 
assurances  of  his  high  opinion  of  the  Battery  and  its 
services  at  Gettysburg,  as  the  following  indicates  : 

Extract  from  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Depart 
ment  of  the  Interior : 

*  *     *      "At  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  where  the 
4th  New  York  Independent  Battery  is  recognized  by 
historians  for  its  brilliant  record." 

Extract  from  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War: 

*  *     *      "  Captain  Smith's  conduct  at  Gettysburg 
in  the  defense  of  Round  Top,  at  a  critical  moment  on 
July  2,  1863,  attracted  my  personal  attention  and  was 
strongly  commended  by  me  on  the  field." 

General  Sickles  has  been  severely  criticised  for  ad 
vancing  his  command  as  he  did  on  the  morning  of  the 
2d  of  July,  1863.  Having  served  in  the  Third  Corps 
under  this  distinguished  officer  (part  of  the  time  at 
headquarters  as  Chief  of  Artillery)  I  may  be  pardoned 
for  here  referring  to  this  controversy. 

I  have  noticed  that  those  who  shed  their  blood,  or 
who  fought  in  the  ranks  of  this  gallant  and  well-tried 
old  Corps,  on  the  advanced  line,  have  found  no  fault 
with  their  Corps  Commander.  They  know  that  they 
were  never  ordered  forward  while  he  remained  in  the 
rear.  They  remember  that  the  old  Corps  flag,  repre 
senting  where  their  commander  was  to  be  found,  was 
ever  in  sight,  and  that  he  fell,  desperately  wounded, 
right  in  the  midst  of  the  men  who  were  struggling  to 


154  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

resist  the  onslaught  of  Longstreet's  overwhelming  le 
gions. 

I  will  not  presume  to  place  my  opinion  as  to  the  mer 
its  of  the  disputed  position  beside  that  of  such  high  au 
thorities  as  Generals  Grant  and  Sheridan,  who  coin 
cided  in  the  view  that  ' '  the  advanced  position  was  the 
only  one  to  fight  on."  I  have  undoubted  authority  for 
stating  that  General  Grant  fully  endorsed  General  Sick 
les' s  course,  and  refer  to  the  copy  of  a  letter,  given  be 
low,  from  Gov.  A.  J.  Curtin,  repeating  the  substance  of 
a  conversation  he  had  with  General  Sheridan  on  this 
subject.  This  should  be  sufficient  to  vindicate  the  wis 
dom  and  foresight  of  the  one  man  who  keenly  realized 
the  critical  situation  of  the  Federal  left,  and  who  had 
the  nerve  to  meet  the  threatened  danger  with  an  inad 
equate  force. 

But  he  did  not  take  upon  himself  the  responsibility  of 
this  movement  without  consulting  and  endeavoring  to 
secure  the  sanction  of  General  Meade.  The  latter,  how 
ever,  seemed  to  attach  slight  importance  to  Sickles' s 
urgent  appeals,  and  appeared  to  think  that  the  danger 
of  any  attack  upon  our  left  was  too  remote  to  be  seriously 
considered.  But  the  result  proved  that  Sickles  was 
right,  and  impartial  history  will  accord  him  the  justice 
and  the  honor  due  to  his  military  genius. 

The  following  is  the  letter  above  referred  to  : 

"  BEU<EFONTIC,  PA.,  October  18,  1889. 

"  Major-General  Dan1 1.  E.  Sickles, 

"New  York  City. 

' '  My  dear  General :  I  repeated  to  you  a  conversation 
I  had  with  General  Sheridan  before  his  death  and  after 


REMARKS   AND   CRITICISMS.  155 

his  examination  of  the  field  at  Gettysburg  and  a  full 
study  of  the  strategy  of  both  armies,  and  at  your  re 
quest  wrote  a  letter  to  you,  which  I  had  supposed  you 
had  received  until  we  met  at  Gettysburg  in  September. 

' '  General  Sheridan  did  not  hesitate  to  say  to  me 
without  disrespect  to  other  officers  there,  that  the  move 
ments  on  the  2d  of  July  were  well  advised  and  proper, 
and  as  it  was  the  design  of  the  enemy  to  turn  the  flank 
of  the  army,  that  the  attack  made  at  that  time  and  un 
der  the  circumstances,  was  very  important  to  prevent 
their  advance.  I  am  very  clear  in  my  judgment  as  to 
the  statement  of  the  General,  and  inferred  from  what  he 
said  that  were  it  not  for  the  attack  made  on  the  2d,  the 
flank  would  likely  have  been  turned. 

* '  When  last  at  Gettysburg,  with  my  recollection  of 
what  the  General  said  to  me,  I  went  overall  the  ground 
and  made  an  examination,  and  with  the  historical  re 
ports  of  the  battle  was  confirmed  that  the  views  of  that 
distinguished  officer  are  correct. 

* '  You  stated  to  me  at  Gettysburg  that  you  never  re 
ceived  my  letter,  and  I  then  said  to  you  that  the  fact 
that  you  had  not  acknowledged  its  receipt  gave  me  no 
little  surprise,  but  I  am  now  happy  to  make  this  state 
ment  and  explanation,  as  surely  justice  should  be  done 
to  you  and  all  other  men  who  bore  so  active  and  impor 
tant  a  part  in  that  long  and  terrible  war. 

"  I  remain  as  ever,  truly  your  friend, 
"  (Signed.)  A.  G.  CURTIN," 


156 


A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 


CHAPTER  XIII 

Poetic  Tributes  to  the  Battery 

CAPT.  JACK  CRAWFORD, 
widely  known  as  the  ' '  Poet- 
Scout,  ' '  the  author  of  the  fol 
lowing  spirited  poem,  needs 
no  introduction  to  the 
American  people.  With  his 
splendid  Army  record  when 
a  boy,  his  subsequent  fame 
as  Chief  of  Scouts  for  General  Crook  in  his  Indian 
campaigns,  and  his  popularity  as  an  off-hand  speaker, 
he  is  a  familiar  figure  throughout  our  country. 

A  FAMOUS  BATTERY  AND  ITS  DAY  OF  GLORY. 

Respectfully  Dedicated  to  the  Gallant  Survivors  of  Smith's  4th  New  York 
Independent  Battery. 

Sultrily  dawned  that  summer  day, 

On  the  field  where  the  waiting  forces  lay — 

On  the  field  of  Gettysburg,  where  soon 

The  forms  of  the  slain  would  be  thickly  strewn. 

Up,  like  a  ball  of  lurid  fire, 

The  red  sun  mounted  higher  and  higher, 

Casting  its  shimmering,  fiery  rain 


POKTIC  TRIBUTES.  157 

O'er  the  waving  billows  of  ripening  grain, 
That  waited  the  reaper's  gleaming  blade, 
While  near  to  its  golden  borders  laid 
A  human  harvest,  with  bated  breath, 
Awaiting  the  Reaper  whose  name  is  Death. 
Eagerly  gleamed  each  warrior  eye — 
Defiantly  floated  the  flags  on  high — 
One,  the  emblem  of  Union  bands, 
The  other  borne  by  disloyal  hands. 

Over  the  face  of  the  peaceful  farms 
Echoed  the  clash  of  contending  arms, 
As,  locked  in  the  battle's  dread  embrace, 
The  smoke-grimed  foemen  stood  face  to  face, 
Hurling  death  to  each  other's  ranks, 
Blazing  with  fire  from  center  to  flanks, 
Batteries  belching  their  heated  breath, 
Over  the  carnival  of  death. 

Up  o'er  a  steep  and  rock-bound  height, 
Brave  men  toiled  with  unflagging  might, 
Dragging  their  guns  to  a  point  o'erhead, 
Where  hoofs  of  horses  could  never  tread ; 
Up  to  a  point  that  must  be  maintained, 
Spite  of  the  leaden  shower  that  rained, 
Spite  of  the  flocks  of  screaming  shell 
That  filled  the  air  with  the  music  of  hell. 
Onward,  upward,  those  heroes  pressed, 
Till  their  guns  peered  over  the  rocky  crest, 
And  hurled  their  volleys  of  death  away, 
To  check  the  advancing  tide  of  gray. 
Perched  on  a  rock  the  leader  stood, 


158  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

Watching  the  ranks  of  the  chieftain  Hood — 

Watching  the  flight  of  his  well-aimed  shot — 

Watching  the  carnage  their  mad  speed  wrought. 

Advancing,  recoiling,  advancing  again, 

Came  surging  billows  of  gray-clad  men, 

Striving  to  occupy  that  crest, 

Striving  those  deadly  guns  to  wrest 

From  the  grasp  of  that  brave,  heroic  band, 

That  hurled  forth  death  with  unsparing  hand. 

Waving  aloft  his  glittering  sword, 

Cheering  his  men  with  approving  word, 

Facing  the  storm  with  his  loyal  breast, 

Stood  he  there  on  that  boulder's  crest. 

Never  a  thought  of  undying  fame, 

Never  a  hope  of  an  honored  name 

Nerved  him  to  stand  on  that  rocky  height, 

Where  his  form  would  the  rebel  shot  invite. 

Heard  he  only  his  chief's  command : 

' '  Hold  this  height  with  unflinching  hand  ! 

Never  release  it  while  you  '  ve  got 

A  gunner  left  who  can  fire  a  shot  !  " 

That  the  motive  which  held  him  there, 

His  form  outlined  in  the  smoke-tinged  air — 

No. supporting  force  in  his  rear, 

No  reinforcements  drawing  near, 

Naught  but  his  own  unaided  band, 

To  hold  that  point  from  the  rebel  hand. 

Longstreet's  heroes  of  many  a  fight 
Came  charging  up  o'er  the  rocky  height — 
Came  with  their  vengeful  eyes  awarm, 
With  the  valor  which  nerves  the  warrior's  arm, 


POETIC   TRIBUTES.  159 

Closing  each  rent  the  wild  shells  made 

In  their  long  gray  ranks  as  if  on  parade. 

Steadily,  swiftly,  like  ocean  tide, 

They  surged  up  the  mountain's  rocky  side, 

Until  their  disloyal  feet  were  pressed 

To  the  blood-stained  soil  of  the  mountain  crest. 

The  gallant  gunners  were  forced  at  last, 

I^ike  leaves  in  the  teeth  of  a  tempest  blast, 

To  quit  their  places,  but  not  for  long, 

For  up  from  the  rear,  like  a  cheering  song, 

Came  a  slogan  that  caused  their  hearts  to  leap, 

As  the  ' '  Orange  Blossoms  ' '  charged  up  the  steep. 

Backward  the  rebel  ranks  were  hurled, 

And  Union's  flag  was  again  unfurled 

O'er  the  guns  (that  were)  for  a  moment  lost  ; 

Then  gained  again,  at  a  fearful  cost 

To  the  daring  warriors  of  Longstreet's  Corps, 

And  again  did  their  fierce,  ear-deafening  roar 

Belch  forth  in  chorus  the  song  of  death, 

As  the  missiles  sped  from  their  fiery  breath, 

Thinning  the  ranks  of  the  fleeing  foe, 

That  reeled  and  staggered  beneath  the  blow; 

Nor  cooled  a  throat  of  a  brazen  gun, 

Till  the  storm  had  passed  and  the  day  was  won. 


A  memory,  now,  of  near  three  decades, 

Are  the  scenes  'mid  Gettysburg's  hills  and  glades, 

When  the  dawn  of  a  summer  day  gave  birth 

To  a  roar  of  battle  heard  'rounct.  the  earth. 

Few  live  who  so  nobly  then  did  stand 

To  the  guns  of  that  gallant  chief's  command, 


l6o  A   FAMOUS    BATTERY 

And  low  on  a  bed  of  ceaseless  pain, 
That  hero-commander  long  has  lain — 
I^ain  unflinching  as  when  he  stood, 
Watching  the  ranks  of  the  dauntless  Hood — 
L,ain  with  laboring,  pain-clogged  breath, 
Calmly  awaiting  the  call  of  Death. 
Men  who  no  brighter  laurels  wore 
Have  trodden  the  path  to  death  before, 
And  a  world  has  wept  in  distress  most  dire 
When  the  looked-for  tidings  flashed  o'er  the  wire, 
And  every  city  along  their  track 
Was  swarthed  in  emblems  of  sombre  black, 
And  yet  the  grief  of  a  world  can  not 
Eclipse  the  sorrow  of  those  who  fought 
With  the  gallant  Smith  on  that  fearful  day, 
When  he  held  the  disloyal  hordes  at  bay- 
No  tears  so  warm  as  the  comrade  tears, 
When  the  tidings  will  reach  the  comrade  ears, 
That  he  whose  presence  on  that  red  field 
Was  an  inspiration  to  them  that  steeled 
Their  valiant  bosoms,  and  nerved  their  arms 
To  work  in  face  of  disloyal  swarms, 
Has  passed  from  the  scenes  of  earth  away 
To  the  gladsome  light  of  Eternal  Day. 

CAPT.  JACK  CRAWFORD, 

"  The  Poet  Scout." 


POETIC  TRIBUTES. 


161 


~-\ 


The  author  of  the  poem  below  is  well  known  in 
Washington  as  a  writer  of  graceful  verse.  He  has 
published  a  volume  of  his  fugitive  pieces,  entitled 
"Sprigs  of  Acacia,"  which  is  much  admired. 

"  DEVIL'S  DEN." 

Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863. 

BY  COMRADE  SAMUEL  ADAMS  WIGGIN. 

The  day  in  matchless  beauty  dawned 

in  peace, 
The  sun  in  glowing  splendor  wreathed 

the  summer  skies  ; 
Its  golden   chariot  with  its    smoking 

steeds 
Passed  the  proud  zenith  of  its  path  of 

light. 

The  air  waxed  hot  and  hotter  still, 
Until  the  heavens  like  molten  brass  became. 
Fierce  rays  from  torrid  zones  of  living  flame 
Descended  on  the  verdant  vales  and  hills, 
On  serried  columns  of  the  hosts  of  war, 
On  dashing  cavalry — Artillery's  dread  array— 
The  furious  cohorts  of  the  Boys  in  Gray. 
Desperate,  impetuous  as  a  hope  forlorn, 
Right  onward  dashed  the  battalions  of  the  South, 
Hood's  bravest  legions — valorous  sons  of  Mars, 
Longstreet's  artillery  in  battle's  set  array. 
Upon  the  lofty  crest  of  famous  Devil's  Den, 
Perched  the  brave  boys  of  New  York  Battery  Four, 
Sons  of  the  Empire  State,  valiant  and  tried  and  true, 
They  faced  the  rushing  foe  and  held  the  fatal  pass 
'Gainst  overwhelming  legions  of  the  Boys  in  Gray. 
Close  by  the  old  Fourth  Maine  and  ' '  Orange  Blossoms ' ' 
brave, 


1 62  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

A  living  wall  of  grand,  heroic  souls, 

That  for  the  Nation's  honor  scorned  the  monster  death, 

In  all  his  fearful  forms  of  carnage,  strife  and  blood, 

They  held  the  pass  until  the  Boys  in  Blue, 

On  I^ittle  Round  Top's  crest,  in  mighty  legions  stood, 

Massed  in  full  force  and  eager  for  the  fray, 

They  held  the  pass.     They  fought  like  heroes  true; 

Death  and  destruction  swept  the  Southern  lines; 

The  Devil's  Den  ablaze  with  fires  of  hell 

Let  loose  the  ' '  Dogs  of  War ' '  on  the  advancing  foe, 

With  fangs  of  steel  and  scorching  breath  of  flame, 

Until  the  vale  of  Plum  Run,  battle's  tide 

Was  piled  with  gasping  heaps  of  mangled  forms  in  gray. 

A  fearful,  desperate  fight  of  life  and  sudden  death 

For  freedom  and  the  Union's  sacred  cause ; 

'Gainst  all  the  martial  flower  of  chivalry's  proud  might, 

Three  hours  they  held  the  pass,  then  spiked  the  guns, 

Fell  back  on  Round  Top — facing  still  the  foe 

And  Gettysburg,  that  saved  the  Union  fair, 

Sheds  lustre  on  those  heroes  banded  there. 

Smith's  New  York  Independent  Battery  Four, 

Won  there  on  Devil's  Den  renown  forevermore. 

The  "  Old  Fourth  Maine  "  that  to  the  rescue  came, 

Brave  ' '  Orange  Blossoms ' '  on  the  scroll  of  fame, 

In  golden  characters  are  written  there, 

The  precious  heritage  of  noble  heroes  rare. 

Crown   them    with   fadeless   wreaths — our   pride  and 

boast — 

Deck  their  broad  breasts  with  Stars  of  Freedom's  host, 
Walk  softly  where  their  dying  comrades  fell, 


POETIC   TRIBUTES.  163 

Loud  let  your  glorious  paeans  for  the  living  swell, 

Room  for  the  war-worn  veterans  true  and  bold, 

Room  for  the  noble  boys  fast  growing  old, 

Honors  and  station,  place  and  laurel  crown 

For  heroes  of  that  day  of  Gettysburg  renown, 

That  saved  the  Nation  and  the  Union  sweet. 

All  hail  the  boys,  the  boys  with  way-worn  feet, 

The  truest  souls,  the  grandest  hearts  that  beat, 

All  love  and  praise  for  Boys  in  Bonny  Blue, 

Our  stalwart  heroes,  tender,  brave  and  true. 

No  blot"of  shame,  no  missing  radiant  star, 

Mars  the  dear  flag  they  saved  in  Freedom's  glorious  war; 

Rest  on  your  laurels  bright,  a  fearful  fight  you  fought 

With  ransom  of  your  blood  the  Nation's  life  was  bought. 


1 64  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 


CHAPTER  XIV 

Back  to  Washington — Disbanded 

THE  Battery  continued  with  the  Third  Corps  until 
the  army  reached  Boonsboro,  Md.  General  Hunt  then 
directed  me  to  return  to  Frederick  and  turn  over  all  the 
ordnance  stores  appertaining  to  the  ten-pounder  Par- 
rotts,  and  then  proceed  to  Washington  and  procure  a 
battery  of  six  light  twelve-pounders — Napoleons. 

Owing  to  the  washing  away  of  a  culvert  on  the  B. 
&  O.  R.  R.,  I  decided  to  make  the  trip  during  the 
night  on  horse-back.  It  was  a  long  ride.  The  debris 
of  burning  forage  wagons,  destroyed  by  Mosby  and  his 
men,  were  numerous,  but  beyond  a  few  sutlers  who 
were  trying  to  reach  the  army,  we  did  not  meet  any  one. 
At  one  point  on  the  road  we  came  upon  four  or  five  of 
these  (sutlers)  sleeping  on  long  wooden  benches  on  the 
porch  of  a  country  inn.  I  did  not  like  to  pass  them 
without  ascertaining  who  they  were,  therefore  instruct 
ing  Lieutenant  Goodman,  who  accompanied  me,  to  ride 
on  one  side  of  the  orderly  while  I  took  the  other,  we 
dismounted,  handed  the  reins  to  the  orderly,  and  drew 
our  revolvers,  ready  for  use. 

We  approached  from  different  directions,  and  on 
reaching  the  benches  called  on  the  sleepers  to  hold  up 
their  hands.  Not  being  able  to  arouse  them  in  this 


BACK   TO   WASHINGTON.  165 

gentle  manner,  I  took  hold  of  and  capsized  a  bench, 
when  a  comical  scene  occurred. 

Kvery  man  jumped  to  his  feet  and  stretched  both 
hands  as  high  as  he  could  hold  them.  Explanations 
followed;  they  had  taken  us  for  Mosby's  Guerillas, 
while  we  were  in  doubt  as  to  the  status  of  the  sleepers. 

Before  leaving  Frederick  I  directed  Lieutenant  Mc 
Lean  to  march  to  Sandy  Hook,  Md.,  with  the  men  and 
horses,  where  I  expected  to  rejoin  the  army.  Being 
detained  some  days  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  I  found  upon 
my  arrival  at  Sandy  Hook  that  the  army  had  crossed 
the  Potomac  two  days  before.  The  bridge  was  still  in 
position  and  I  proposed  to  follow,  but  General  Lock- 
wood,  then  in  command  of  Harper's  Ferry,  telegraphed 
the  situation  to  General  Halleck,  and  I  was  ordered 
back  to  Washington.  Transportation  by  rail  over  the 
single  track  to  the  Capital  was  difficult  to  obtain  and 
uncertain  in  its  results,  blockades  and  smash  ups  being 
of  daily  occurrence.  So  it  was  decided  to  send  the 
Battery  by  canal,  in  charge  of  Lieutenant  McLean.  A 
number  of  empty  boats  were  pressed  into  service,  the 
guns,  carriages  and  baggage  loaded,  tow-lines  impro 
vised  from  prolonges,  and  the  Battery  horses,  steeds  that 
"had  smelt  the  battle  from  afar" — and  near,  too — took 
the  places  of  the  patient  mule  on  the  tow-path,  and  the 
company  gayly  started  for  Washington,  some  eighty 
miles  away. 

The  sturdy  animals  bent  to  their  unaccustomed  work, 
and  as  the  flotilla  pulled  around  a  bend  and  the  lux 
uriant  foliage  on  the  banks  shut  out  the  camps  and 
stores  and  dire  confusion  of  "the  Hook,"  we  gently 
glided  into  the  quiet  reaches  of  the  canal,  the  broad,  rock- 


1 66  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

strewn  river  shimmering  in  the  sun  on  the  right  (or 
"starboard  side,"  as  the  boys  commenced  to  call  it), 
bordered  on  the  west  by  the  mighty  spurs  of  the  Blue 
Ridge,  with  not  a  sound  to  break  the  stillness,  it  was  as 
if  they  had  left  the  riotous  tumult  of  war  for  some 
lonely  land  of  rest. 

In  truth,  there  could  be  no  greater  contrast  to  the 
awful  storms  of  battle  from  which  we  had  just  emerged 
at  Gettysburg.  The  scream  of  shells  and  the  thunder 
ous  roar  of  artillery  were  replaced  by  the  soft  notes  of 
birds  twittering  in  the  trees,  whose  branches  swayed  in 
the  water,  or  the  distant  caw  of  a  solitary  crow  circling 
over  the  quiet  river. 

It  was  hard  to  realize,  as  the  Battery  floated  down, 
out  of  sight  or  sound  of  the  exciting  life  of  which  it 
had  been  part  and  parcel  for  two  years,  shut  in  from 
the  world  by  a  green  wall  of  verdure  on  either  bank, 
that  only  a  few  days  before  it  was  battling  for  life  amid 
a  quarter  of  a  million  of  armed  soldiers. 

That  the  boys  enjoyed  this  unwonted  break  in  their 
soldier  life  was  very  apparent.  Stretched  on  the  deck 
through  the  long  summer  day,  some  smoking,  some  dis 
cussing  the  recent  battle,  others  sleeping,  or  lazily  observ 
ing  the  scenery,  it  was  an  Blysian  dream  to  the  weary 
marches,  the  rough  handling,  the  desperate  fighting  to 
which  the  Battery  had  become  inured. 

Then  the  ' '  foraging ' '  was  something  to  delight  a 
veteran's  heart.  It  was  so  easy  to  leap  from  the  boats 
onto  the  bank,  scurry  up  the  hills  to  a  farm  house  and 
return  loaded  with  milk,  butter,  eggs,  fruit,  etc.,  and 
that  without  having  to  watch  every  bush  and  tree,  as 
in  the  old  days  in  Virginia,  for  a  possible  sharpshooter, 


BACK   TO   WASHINGTON.  167 

eager  to  send  his  leaden  compliments  from  the  end  of 
a  rifle. 

But  this  pleasant  kind  of  soldiering  could  n't  last 
long,  and  about  noon  of  the  third  day  out-  the  boats 
pulled  into  Georgetown,  where  I  met  them. 

The  Battery  was  disembarked  and  marched  through 
Washington  to  Camp  Barry,  northeast  of  the  city. 
This  was  supposed  to  be  a  recruiting  camp,  but  during 
our  stay  here  it  was  a  camp  of  misery  and  degradation. 
A  Lieutenant-Colonel  Monroe,  of  Rhode  Island,  was  in 
command,  whom  I  learned  to  heartily  despise.  He 
proved  to  be  a  martinet  of  the  meanest  kind;  we  had 
trouble;  I  made  application  to  be  ordered  to  the  front; 
it  was  returned,  disapproved,  with  the  endorsement, 
"  This  officer  desires  to  evade  duty,  etc." 

It  appeared  odd  to  me,  that  asking  to  be  sent  to  the 
field  should  be  construed  as  a  "  desire  to  evade  duty." 
However,  I  made  another  application.  This  time  I  ap 
pealed  to  General  Hunt,  Chief  of  Artillery  of  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac.  My  application  passed  through  Gen 
eral  Meade's  headquarters,  and  was  referred  to  General 
Halleck,  who  caused  an  order  to  be  issued  at  once,  direct 
ing  me  to  report,  etc. ,  without  delay.  In  this  manner 
I  defeated  an  attempt  to  convert  our  heroes  of  Gettys 
burg  into  laborers,  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  up  this 
"pet"  camp  by  sweeping  and  digging  in  the  hot  sun 
from  morning  until  night.  (Monroe  was  sent  to  the 
field  as  Chief  of  Artillery,  Fifth  Corps;  his  record  was 
not  brilliant,  as  might  be  supposed.) 

One  glorious  August  morning  at  5  A.  M.  we  left  Camp 
Barry,  without  a  pang  of  regret,  marching  to  Alexan 
dria,  Va. ,  where  I  was  to  wait  for  an  escort. 


1 68  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

The  army  was  stationed  near  Warrenton,  Va.,  at  this 
time  and  Mosby  had  been  troublesome  on  the  roads 
leading  from  Washington  into  Virginia.  I  did  not  be 
lieve  he  would  molest  us,  therefore,  with  an  escort  of  six 
(a  sergeant  and  five  enlisted  men  of  the  cavalry),  I  de 
cided  to  move  forward.  Four  of  my  escort  were  sent  to 
the  front  and  two  to  the  rear;  two  of  those  in  front  were 
instructed  to  ride  well  out  on  side  roads  and  remain  on 
guard  until  the  Battery  passed,  when  they  were  to  re 
join  their  comrades  in  front.  The  guns  were  so  dis 
posed  that  the  front,  flanks  and  rear  were  well  protected; 
a  surprise  was  out  of  the  question. 

At  Alexandria  I  had  found  a  train  of  sutlers  anxious 
to  get  to  the  army.  They  were  determined  to  follow  the 
Battery.  I  plainly  explained  to  them  my  intention  to 
prevent  Mosby  from  capturing  their  train,  if  possible, 
and  told  them  that  if  the  enemy  got  among  their  wagons 
I  would  use  canister  without  regard  to  sutlers. 

"  Now,"  said  I,  "if  you  care  to  take  the  chances,  all 
right." 

They  took  the  chances,  and  I  had  a  train  fully  half  a 
mile  long  as  far  as  Centerville.  We  were  not  interfered 
with,  and  reached  the  army  in  due  time,  and  were  as 
signed  to  the  artillery  reserve. 

After  the  march  over  the  Rapidan  in  pursuit  of  Lee's 
army,  (which  we  found),  we  quietly  slipped  back  into 
camp  near  Warrenton,  and  remained  there  until  the 
Battery  was  disbanded  by  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Previous  to  this  it  had  been  reduced  from  six  to  four 
guns  by  reason  of  its  decimated  ranks. 

While  in  camp  here  the  spirit  of  discontent,  always 
prevalent  while  in  winter  quarters,  again  manifested  it- 


BACK   TO   WASHINGTON.  169 

self.  Those  enlisted  men  who  believed  they  were  un 
justly  held  in  service,  again  took  advantage  of  the  situ 
ation  to  agitate  the  question  of  their  discharge. 

The  discussion  of  this  matter  first  began  in  1 86 1 ,  while 
we  were  camped  in  Lower  Maryland.  I  at  that  time 
made  an  application  to  have  the  Battery  sent  to  its  regi 
ment,  the  First  Engineers,  New  York  Volunteers.  The 
facts  were  plainly  set  forth,  as  a  true  copy  herewith  will 
attest.  I  had  no  desire  to  have  the  men  retained  as  ar 
tillerists  against  their  will,  knowing  the  matter  would 
give  more  or  less  cause  for  dissension.  But  my  papers 
were  returned  disapproved  and  the  claim  disregarded  by 
reason  of  the  exigencies  of  the  service.  The  following 
is  a  true  copy,  with  endorsements,  etc. : 

"  CAMP  HOOKER,  LOWER  POTOMAC,  MD. 

1 '  28th  January,   1862. 
"Brig.  Gen* I  Joseph  Hooker, 

"  Commanding  Division. 

Sir: — The  Battery  under  my  command  was  organ- 
ganized  4th  September,  1861,  as  Company  'I/  of  Col. 
Serrell's  Volunteer  Engineer  Regiment,  to  do  duty  as  a 
Battery  of  Light  Artillery,  and  was  mustered  into  the 
United  Service  as  such,  and  a  large  majority  of  the  men 
composing  it  were  enlisted  under  the  impression,  found 
ed  on  representations  in  good  faith  made  to  them  at 
the  time,  that  the  Battery  would  be  attached  to  the  said 
regiment,  and  that  they  would  receive  engineers'  pay, 
viz. :  $17  per  month.  We  left  New  York  25th  October, 
by  order  of  Col.  Serrell,  and  arrived  in  Washington  26th 
October.  On  the  2yth,  reported  to  General  Barry  and 
made  application  to  be  equipped  as  a  battery  of  light  ar 
tillery,  and  to  be  attached  to  the  above  regiment,  as 
originally  contemplated.  General  Barry  then  informed 
me  that  he  could  not  equip  us  as  a  battery  attached  to 


170  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

said  regiment,  inasmuch  as  all  batteries  hitherto  attach 
ed  to  regiments  of  infantry  had  been  or  would  be  de 
tached  therefrom,  under  orders  from  headquarters,  at  the 
same  time  expressing  his  readiness  to  equip  us  as  an  in 
dependent  battery  of  light  artillery,  in  which  case  the 
men  would  receive  the  ordinary  pay  of  artillerists,  viz. : 
$13  per  month.  He  further  led  me  to  suppose  that  it 
was  a  matter  of  much  doubt  whether  any  portion  of  the 
regiment  would  receive  more  than  the  pay  of  second 
class  engineers,  and  stated  that  our  being  organized 
and  equipped  at  that  time  as  an  independent  battery 
would  not  militate  against  our  being  attached  as  a  bat 
tery  to  the  regiment  at  some  future  time,  should  our  ap 
plication  therefor  meet  with  the  approval  of  the  proper 
authorities.  At  the  suggestion  of  General  Barry  I  com 
municated  these  facts  to  the  men  of  my  command,  and 
all  except  thirteen  expressed  their  willingness,  under 
the  circumstances,  to  serve  as  an  independent  battery. 
I  then  reported  to  General  Barry,  and  asked  that  we  be 
so  equipped.  On  2d  and  4th  November  we  received 
our  battery,  and  have  done  duty  as  light  artillery  since 
that  time.  On  25th  November  we  left  Washington  un 
der  orders  from  Headquarters,  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
and  arrived  here  and  reported  2yth  November.  Since  our 
arrival  here  it  has  been  ascertained  from  letters  from  mem 
bers  of  the  Volunteer  Engineer  Regiment  that  they  had 
been  paid  off  at  the  rate  of  $i  7  a  month,  the  pay  of  first- 
class  engineers,  and  Colonel  Serrell  has  given  us  to  un 
derstand  that  he  has  been  assured  that,  if  we  could  be 
attached  to  his  command,  the  men  would  receive  pay  at 
the  same  rate,  as  they  were  told  at  the  time  of  their  en 
listment. 

<J  Under  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  therefore, 
of  which  the  above  is  a  brief,  impartial  statement,  we 
deem  it  eminently  proper  respectfully  to  make  applica 
tion  that  we  be  attached  to  the  said  regiment  as  a  bat 
tery  of  light  artillery,  as  originally  contemplated,  and 
that  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  this 


BACK   TO   WASHINGTON.  iyi 

command  be  declared  to  be  entitled  to  pay  at  the  rate 
fixed  by  law  for  the  payment  of  engineers. 

1  The  above  statement  is  made  at  the  request  of  the 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  my  command 
and  respectfully  submitted  for  your  consideration. 
"I  am,  General,  your  most  obedient  servant, 
"(Signed)  J.  E.  SMITH, 

11  Capt.  Comrid'g  ^th  N.  Y.  Battery." 

"(Endorsement.) 

' '  Respectfully  submitted  with  the  request  that  it  may 
receive  the  immediate  attention  of  the  Major-General 
Commanding. 

"  JOSEPH  HOOKER, 

' '  Brig.  -  Gen .    Comm1  d  'g. 

"HEADQUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC, 

"January  29,  1862. 

"  Respectfully  returned  to  Brigadier-General  Barry, 
Chief  of  Artillery. 

' '  By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  McCi,EU,AN. 
"JAMES  A.  HARDIE, 

"Lt.  Col.  A.  D.  C" 

"  (Endorsement.) 

'  '(Respectfully  returned.  This  battery  is  now  attached 
to  Hooker's  Division,  jand  I  have  no  other  battery  avail 
able,  at  present,  to  take  its  place.  It  can  not  be  spared 
from  its  present  duties.  Captain  Smith  is  somewhat  in 
error  in  one  of  his  statements.  I  never  informed  him 
that  his  battery  might  eventually  be  attached  to  Ser- 
rell's  Regt.,  but  on  the  contrary  told  him  most  posi 
tively  that  it  was  against  the  orders  of  Major-General 
McClellan  for  batteries  to  be  attached  to  Regt's  of  foot, 
and  I  doubtless  told  him,  as  I  have  many  others  under 
similar  circumstances,  that  if  Serrell's  Regt.  belonged 
to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  the  Battery  might  possibly 
be  assigned  to  the  same  Division.  I  furthermore  di 
rected  Captain  Smith  to  inform  his  men  that  their  pay 


1 72  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

would  be  that  of "  light  artillery  soldiers  —  no  more. 
If  it  is  decided  to  send  this  company  to  its  regi  ment 
(which  is  now  at  Port  Royal)  I  would  respectfully  recom 
mend  that  the  guns,  horses,  and  all  other  light  art'y. 
equipment  be  left  with  this  army,  where  they  are  much 
needed. 

"  (Signed)  WILLIAM  F.  BARRY, 

Brig.  Gen.,  Chief  of  Art' y . 
Jan.  jo,  '62. 

The  matter  came  up  again  in  the  early  spring  of  '62, 
and  Major  Wainwright,  Division  Chief  of  Artillery,  was 
authorized  by  General  Hooker  to  investigate  the  matter. 
The  cause  of  this  second  trouble  was  owing  to  a  few 
persistent  enlisted  men  who  made  false  representations 
of  the  affair  to  the  General,  not  flattering  to  myself;  but 
I  had  done  all  in  my  power  to  have  the  men  sent  to  the 
regiment.  By  following  the  instructions  of  Colonel 
Serrell,  I  had  gotten  into  difficulty,  — whereas,  if  I  had 
quietly  remained  in  New  York  and  allowed  myself  to 
be  commissioned  as  Major,  no  blame  could  rest  upon 
me.  After  sacrificing  my  personal  interests  for  what  I 
believed  to  be  the  best  interests  of  the  company,  I  now 
felt  conscious  of  my  error;  and,  as  before  stated,  had  no 
wish  to  prevent  the  men  from  being  transferred,  even  if 
I  had  the  power,  which  I  had  not. 

The  result  of  the  second,  or  Wainwright,  investiga 
tion  was  not  imparted  to  me.  I  only  know  that  no  fur 
ther  action  was  taken;  there  was  no  further  trouble  on 
this  score  until  May  and  June,  1863,  when  Captain 
Randolph,  Chief  of  Corps  Artillery,  was  directed  by 
General  Sickles  to  look  into  the  matter,  presumably  in 
response  to  a  communication  from  the  men. 

This  also  ended  in  smoke.     But  in  the  early  winter  of 


DISBANDED.  173 

1863  some  men  deserted,  and,  returning  to  New  York 
City,  were  discharged  by  order  of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  the  State  on  the  ground  of  false  enlistment.  This, 
of  course,  was  liable  to  have  a  demoralizing  effect  on 
the  Battery,  so  I  then  applied  to  have  the  balance  o 
the  men,  who  were  enlisted  under  the  same  conditions* 
or  promise,  transferred  to  the  regiment  or  discharged 
the  service. 

The  matter  was  referred  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  who 
ordered  that  those  men  who  enlisted,  etc.,  be  transferred 
to  the  regiment,  and  the  balance  of  the  company  trans 
ferred  to  the  batteries  from  the  State  to  serve  the  bal 
ance  of  their  term  of  enlistment.  Those  officers  who 
did  not  wish  to  go  to  the  regiment  were  mustered  out  of 
service. 

And  so  ended  the  career  of  the  4th  New  York  Inde 
pendent  Battery,  after  a  service  of  two  years,  three 
months  and  nineteen  days,  having  been  disbanded  De 
cember  23,  1863. 

"Ne'er  shall  its  glory  fade." 

Many  of  the  men  who  served  the  balance  of  their 
term  of  service  in  other  batteries  distinguished  them 
selves  and  reflected  honor  on  the  old  Battery  by  their 
bravery  and  ability,  some  of  them  returning  home  with 
a  captain's  commission.  One  of  these  was  John  B. 
Johnston,  mentioned  in  the  early  part  of  this  history  as 
having  been  wounded  at  Williamsburg. 

While  on  this  subject  I  am  reminded  that  a  certain 
enlisted  man,  one  Thomas  Graham,  who  was  discharged 
in  December,  1861,  on  certificate  of  disability,  vol 
unteered  this  remarkable  piece  of  information  to  the  G. 


174  A  FAMOUS   BATTERY. 

A.  R.  Post  to  which  he  had  made  application  for  mem 
bership  : 

"I  enlisted  in  Company  "I,,"  ist  Regiment  Engi 
neers,  New  York  Volunteers,  but  the  company  was 
surreptitiously  run  away  from  New  York  by  Capt.  J. 

B.  Smith  and  forced  to  serve  as  a  battery." 

I  hope  Graham  has  made  a  better  record  as  a  mem 
ber  of  the  G.  A.  R.  than  he  did  as  a  soldier  for  the 
short  period  that  he  wore  "  Uncle  Sam's  "  uniform. 

In  regard  to  the  officers  of  the  Battery,  I  am  responsi 
ble  for  the  first  four  Lieutenants.  Great  pains  were 
taken  to  make  proper  selections,  but  mistakes  will 
occur. 

Joseph  B.  Nairn,  First  Lieutenant,  Sr.,  served  three 
months  in  Varian's  Battery,  and  by  his  soldierly  bear 
ing  then  attracted  my  attention.  While  he  was  con 
nected  with  the  4th  New  York  Battery  his  conduct 
fully  sustained  the  high  estimate  I  had  placed  upon  his 
qualifications  and  character. 

Charles  H.  Scott,  First  Lieutenant,  Jr.,  served  as  a 
commissioned  officer  in  one  of  the  Connecticut  regi 
ments  in  Tyler's  Brigade  in  the  three  months'  service. 
I  thought  he  had  some  experience  which  would  be 
serviceable. 

William  T.  McLean,  Second  Lieutenant,  Jr.,  also 
served  three  months  in  Varian's  Battery. 

J.  Courtland  Parker,  Second  Lieutenant,  Jr.,  was  a 
young  lawyer  of  great  promise.  His  early  taking  off 
cut  short  a  career  which  had  given  evidence  of  much 
usefulness. 


APPENDIX.  1 75 


APPENDIX. 

Extract  from  Volume  i,  Report  of  Adjutant- General 
of  the  State  of  New  York,  1868  (page  169). 

FIRST  TROOP  WASHINGTON  GRAYS. 

' '  HEADQUARTERS 

"SQUADRON  WASHINGTON  GRAYS,  N.  G.  S.  N.  Y. 
"NEW  YORK,  December  24.,  1867. 

' '  The  following  is  a  brief  sketch  of  the  services  ren 
dered  to  the  U.  S.  Government,  during  the  late  war,  by 
the  above  company : 

"In  April,  1861,  being  then  attached  to  the  8th 
Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  Militia,  and  known  and  designated 
as  company  "I,"  they  were,  with  that  regiment,  the 
first  to  respond  to  the  call  of  the  President  for  75,000 
men,  for  the  term  of  three  months,  to  aid  in  the  sup 
pression  of  the  rebellion.  They  accordingly  enlisted  in 
the  United  States  service  on  the  i8th  day  of  April,  1861, 
as  an  artillery  corps,  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Joshua  M.  Varian,  now  Brigadier-General  of  the  Third 
Brigade,  N.  G.,  to  serve  the  aforementioned  term  of 
three  months,  and  to  be  disposed  of  during  the  term  of 
their  enlistment  as  was  thought  proper  by  their  superior 
officers.  They  left  New  York  on  the  morning  of  the 
1 9th,  on  the  steamer  Montgomery,  under  sealed  orders, 
which  were  not  made  known  till  the  steamer  was  well 
out  to  sea.  This  was  the  first  knowledge  the  troop  had 
of  their  destination,  which  was  Annapolis,  Md.,  and  at 


176  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

which  place  they  arrived  on  the  22d,  and  were  rejoined 
by  the  infantry  of  the  8th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  M.,  un-. 
der  command  of  Col.  L,yons.  The  company  had  been 
detached  from  the  regiment  on  leaving  New  York,  as 
one  vessel  was  not  sufficiently  large  to  accommodate  the 
whole  command.  After  being  quartered  with  the  regi 
ment  a  few  days,  they  were  again  separated  by  the  in 
fantry  being  ordered  on  to  Washington,  while  the  troop 
remaining  at  Annapolis,  performed  guard  duty  on  the 
Annapolis  river  and  Chesapeake  Bay  with  the  i3th  Reg- 
ment,  N.  Y.  S.  M.,  under  command  of  Col.  Smith. 

The  post  at  that  time  was  under  command  of  General 
Benjamin  F.  Butler.  A  few  days  after  the  departure  of 
the  regiment  from  Annapolis,  two  detachments  of  the 
company  with  one  company  of  the  i3th  Regiment,  by 
orders  of  General  Butler,  embarked  on  the  steam  tug 
Stevens  for  the  purpose  of  regaining  the  light  ship  for 
merly  stationed  at  Smith's  Point,  on  the  Chesapeake 
Bay,  which  had  been  taken  by  the  rebels  and  placed  in 
a  position  in  a  small  creek  running  in  froni  the  bay  — 
their  object  being  to  mislead  vessels  in  the  night.  The 
vessel  was  found  about  two  miles  from  the  entrance  of 
Smith  Creek,  with  no  one  on  board  to  dispute  the  right 
of  possession,  and  not  until  lines  had  been  made  fast 
and  the  vessel  had  begun  to  move  out  of  the  creek,  did 
the  rebels  open  fire  on  the  Stevens  from  the  shores  each 
side,  where  they  had  been  laying  in  ambush;  four  or 
five  volleys  from  the  infantry,  together  with  three  or 
four  rounds  of  canister  completely  routed  them.  They 
proved  to  be  two  companies  of  ist  South  Carolina  regi 
ment;  their  loss  was  two  killed,  a  lieutenant  and  private; 
seven  wounded  and  thirteen  prisoners.  Three  days 
from  that  time,  the  troops  were  ordered  to  rejoin  the  8th 
Regiment  at  Arlington  Heights,  to  strengthen  the  forces 
about  the  Capitol  at  Washington.  It  was  with  the 
regiment  ten  days,  when  it  was  again  separated  by  being 
ordered  to  join  a  Connecticut  Brigade,  and  proceed  to 
the  village  of  Falls  Church,  the  farthest  outpost  from 


APPENDIX.  177 

Washington,  where  it  did  very  effective  service  on  the 
roads  leading  from  Falls  Church  to  Vienna  and  Fairfax 
Court-House,  capturing  a  number  of  rebel  scouts  and 
spies;  also  in  obtaining  a  great  amount  of  valuable  in 
formation.  In  the  grand  advance,  which  commenced 
on  the  1 4th  of  July,  this  troop,  with  a  battery  of  six- 
pound  brass  field  pieces,  had  the  right  of  the  line  of  the 
middle  division,  commanded  by  Gen.  E.  D.  Keyes  and 
General  Tyler,  and,  at  Fairfax  Court-House,  fired  the 
first  ball  that  opened  the  campaign  in  northeastern  Vir 
ginia,  driving  the  rebels  in  the  wildest  confusion.  The 
troop  continued  in  the  advance  of  the  division  through 
Fairfax  Court-House,  thence  to  Germantown,  and  so  on 
to  Centre  ville,  meeting  with  very  little  opposition.  After 
leaving  the  Court-House,  they  were  then  relieved  by 
Ayer's  U.  S.  Battery,  after  having  been  in  the  advance 
four  days,  from  the  I4th  to  the  i8th  of  July;  was  then 
held  in  reserve  during  the  battle  of  Centreville.  On 
the  1 8th,  were  preparing  to  go  into  action,  when-our 
forces  were  called  off  by  General  McDowell,  command 
ing  Department  of  Virginia.  Its  time  expired  on  the 
i yth,  and  on  the  2oth  it  returned  to  Washington,  and 
from  thence  to  New  York,  where  it  was  mustered  out  of 
service  by  reason  of  expiration  of  term  of  enlistment. 

Immediately  after  being  mustered  out,  Lieut.  J.  K. 
Smith,  with  about  forty  members  of  the  troop,  formed 
the  nucleus  of  the  famous  4th  New  York  Independent 
Battery,  which  served  during  the  war  with  as  bright  a 
record  as  any  in  the  whole  army.  What  was  left  then 
of  the  troop  was  reorganized  under  Captain  Robert 
Brown,  and  was  again  in  service  during  the  invasion  of 
Pennsylvania  by  the  rebels,  in  June,  1863.  It  was  en 
gaged  both  as  cavalry  and  artillery,  at  Carlisle,  Ship- 
pensburg,  Scotland,  Chambersburgh,  Oyster  Point  and 
Kingston.  ^  Was  recalled  to  New  York  before  the  ex 
piration  of  its  time,  on  account  of  the  riots  then  taking 
place;  although  enlisted  for  but  thirty,  it  served  forty- 
six  days,  and  was  again  mustered  out  of  service.  The 


178  A  FAMOUS  BATTERY. 

command  was,  in  1861,  composed  of  125  men,  besides 
its  officers.  After  its  first  muster  out,  it  is  safe  to  say 
two-thirds  of  its  members  re-enlisted,  mostly  under  their 
former  Lieutenant,  James  E.  Smith,  but  many  of  them  in 
other  regiments.  Out  of  nine  that  joined  the  yth  N.  J. 
V.,  six  were  killed;  about  thirty  were  killed  and 
wounded  in  the  4th  Independent  Battery. 

MAJ.  S.  M.  SWIFT, 

Commanding. 


JAMES    TANNER. 


THE  CAREER 


OF 


CORPORAL  TANNER 


CHIVALRY  in  its  best  sense  did  not  perish  when  the 
steel-clad  knights  and  men-at-arms  passed  away  with 
the  advent  of  powder  and  rifled  guns.  The  daring 
deeds  and  wild  adventures  of  the  mailed  heroes  of  me 
diaeval  romance  pale  their  ineffectual  fires  before  the  cool 
courage,  the  sublime  devotion  that  carried  the  defenders 
of  the  American  Republic  into  the  jaws  of  death  as 
unshrinkingly  as  ever  the  Cid  or  great  Godfrey  de 
Bouillon  rode  into  battle. 

Among  the  gallant  array  whose  names  have  won 
deathless  renown  on  the  sanguinary  fields  of  our  great 
Civil  War  none  is  more  widely  esteemed,  or  is  more 
deserving  of  his  fame,  than  that  hero  of  the  rank  and 
file  known  of  all  men  as  "  Corporal  Tanner." 

But  of  his  career  from  the  farm  to  the  ranks,  ' '  through 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death, ' '  to  honorable  service 

179 


l8o  THE   CAREER  OF 

in  his  native  State  and  then  to  the  high  and  responsible 
position  of  Commissioner  of  Pensions  of  the  United 
States,  of  all  these  bare  facts  only  are  generally  known. 
A  brief  sketch  of  his  life — never  before  published — may 
be  of  interest  to  the  American  people.  It  is  needless  to 
say  that  it  will  be  welcomed  by  the  million  and  more 
ex-soldiers  whose  cause  is  the  dearest  thing  on  earth  to 
his  brave  heart,  and  to  whose  service  he  has  given 
twenty-five  years  of  unselfish  devotion  by  word  and  pen 
and  deed. 

JAMES  TANNER  was  born  near  Richmondville,  Scho- 
harie  Co.,  New  York,  April  4,  1844.  His  early  life 
was  spent  on  the  farm,  working  in  the  fields  in  summer, 
and  attending  the  district  school  in  winter,  besides 
' '  doing  the  chores  ' '  about  the  farm  which  fall  to  the 
lot  of  every  country  boy.  That  he  profited  above  the 
average  by  the  meagre  facilities  afforded  him  for  an 
education  is  evident  from  the  fact  that  before  reaching 
his  eighteenth  year  he  was  engaged  in  teaching  school 
himself. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  although  still  a  mere 
boy,  fired  with  the  patriotic  ardor  that  was  his  by  birth 
right,  he  enlisted  in  Company  "  C, "  8yth  New  York  Vol 
unteer  Infantry,  and  went  with  his  regiment  to  the 
front.  The  8yth  was  assigned  to  Kearny's  Division, 
and  with  it  took  part  in  the  Peninsular  campaign,  being 
engaged  in  the  battles  of  Williamsburg,  Fair  Oaks, 
Siege  of  Yorktown,  Seven  Days'  Battles  before  Rich 
mond,  and  Malvern  Hill.  Mr.  Tanner,  in  one  of  his 
lectures,  gave  a  modest  but  vivid  account  of  some  inci 
dents  of  his  soldier  life.  As  it  is  quite  brief,  it  is  here 
reproduced. 


CORPORAL  TANNER.  iSi 

"  When  the  war  broke  out  I  was  just  seventeen  years 
old.  I  was  a  big,  green  country  boy,  and  had  never 
seen  a  railroad  train  until  I  went  away  to  enlist.  My 
good  old  father  had  brought  me  up  to  glory  in  my  na 
tive  land,  and  he  believed  that  its  liberties  should  be 
preserved  at  any  cost.  But  he  was,  as  far  as  I  was  con 
cerned,  like  Deacon  Stubbs  of  Maine  and  the  prohibi 
tion  law.  He  was  '  in  favor  of  the  law  but  agin  its  en 
forcement.'  My  father  wanted  the  country  saved,  but, 
like  many  others,  he  did  n't  want  his  boy  to  go  to  war. 
We  had  many  discussions  on  the  subject,  and  one  hot 
afternoon,  when  we  were  out  in  the  field,  I  told  him  that 
my  mind  was  made  up,  I  was  going  to  enlist.  So  one 
day  when  it  was  raining  so  hard  that  you  would  ex 
pect  that  no  one  in  his  senses  would  stir  out  of  doors,  I 
slipped  away  to  town  and  was  duly  mustered  in.  When 
I  found  myself  in  the  blue  I  wrote  to  father  that  I 
would  get  a  few  days'  leave  of  absence  if  he  would 
promise  not  to  detain  me  when  I  came  home.  He 
readily  acquiesced,  and  so  I  had  the  consolation  of 
going  to  the  front  with  his  consent  and  blessing. 

"  My  first  experience  of  what  was  in  store  for  us  was 
when  we  arrived  at  Fortress  Monroe.  It  was  late  in 
the  afternoon  and  we  camped  in  a  field.  When  night 
came  on  I  selected  a  nice,  dry  furrow  (which  reminded 
me  of  home)  for  my  bed,  and  wrapping  my  blanket 
around  me,  with  my  knapsack  for  a  pillow,  I  was  soon 
sound  asleep.  It  was  the  first  time  I  had  ever  slept  out 
without  a  roof  of  some  kind  to  cover  me.  Along  about 
midnight  I  was  awakened  by  a  roaring  noise  and  started 
up  in  terror,  but  it  was  only  an  old-fashioned  Virginia 
rainstorm  sweeping  over  us,  and  as  I  lay  in  a  furrow  I 
had  the  full  benefit  of  the  torrents  of  water  that  poured 
down  it." 

Speaking  of  Malvern  Hill  and  the  Seven  Days' 
Fight,  Mr.  Tanner  relates  this  little  personal  incident, 
which  will  be  appreciated  by  the  boys  who  were  at  the 
front : 


1 82  THE  CAREER   OF 

"We  were  stationed  in  a  field  filled  with  blackberry 
bushes,  and  it  did  n't  take  us  long  to  find  out  that  the 
berries  were  ripe  and  plentiful.  I  stood  my  gun  against 
a  tree  and  proceeded  to  fill  up  an  ever-aching  void  (in 
those  days)  in  my  interior.  The  shells  were  flying 
pretty  thick  over  us  and  I  came  to  the  conclusion  that 
we  would  soon  have  a  warm  time  of  it.  I  had  just 
secured  a  great  big  berry  and  was  about  to  put  it  in 
my  mouth  when  a  shell  hit  the  tree  where  my  gun  was 
standing  and  a  shower  of  branches  and  bark  struck 
me.  I  thought  the  top  of  my  head  was  gone,  but  felt 
very  much  relieved  when  I  found  that  I  had  nothing 
worse  to  show  for  this  close  call  than  an  enormously 
swelled  lip.  But  I  lost  the  blackberry." 

Subsequently,  the  8yth  participated  in  the  battles  of 
Warrenton,  Bristow  Station  and  Manassas.  The  sub 
ject  of  this  sketch  was  with  his  regiment  through  it 
all,  serving  as  a  corporal,  and  his  gallantry  and 
efficiency  gave  promise  of  a  brilliant  career,  when  the 
chances  of  battle  put  a  sudden  and  terrible  end  to  the 
ambitious  boy's  dreams  of  military  glory  in  the  service 
of  his  country. 

At  the  Second  Battle  of  Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862, 
Robinson's  Brigade,  of  which  the  8yth  was  part,  held 
the  extreme  right  of  our  line,  in  front  of  Stonewall 
Jackson's  Corps.  About  3  p.  M.  of  that  fateful  day  the 
enemy's  artillery  had  gotten  the  exact  range  of  this 
line  and  opened  on  it  with  a  terrific  storm  of  shot  and 
shell  which  nothing  mortal  could  withstand.  As  the 
only  means  of  saving  them  the  men  were  ordered  to 
lie  close  to  the  ground  until  a  lull  in  the  murderous 
fire  to  which  they  were  exposed  might  offer  opportunity 
to  use  their  guns.  While  thus  hugging  the  earth,  his 
face  to  the  foe,  his  musket  at  a  ready,  a  hurtling  frag- 


CORPORAL  TANNER.  183 

ment  from  a  bursting  shell  struck  the  brave  young 
corporal's  left  lower  leg,  nearly  severing  the  foot  at 
the  ankle,  and  then  shattering  the  right  leg  below  the 
knee  into  a  mass  of  crushed  flesh  and  splintered  bone. 
At  the  first  chance  he  was  gently  carried  from  the  front 
by  his  comrades,  unconscious  and  apparently  dying, 
and  placed  in  the  field  hospital  where  the  surgeons  at 
once  amputated  both  legs  about  four  inches  below  the 
knee. 

Meanwhile  the  Union  line  had  been  broken  and  his 
comrades  were  forced  to  leave  him  at  a  farm  house 
with  other  desperately  wounded  soldiers.  The  enemy 
soon  had  the  house  within  their  lines  and  made  him 
and  his  companions  in  suffering  prisoners.  Some  ten 
days  afterwards  they  were  all  paroled  and  taken  to 
Fairfax  Seminary  Hospital  near  Alexandria.  Mr. 
Tanner's  personal  recollection  of  that  momentous  event 
in  his  career  is  thus  succinctly  given  in  a  private  letter 
to  a  friend  which  was  published  in  the  National  Tribune 
in  1887: 

' '  Two  or  three  nights  prior  to  my  being  wounded  at 
the  second  Bull  Run,  my  regiment  (the  8yth  N.  Y.)  was 
stationed  along  the  Orange  &  Alexandria  Railroad  at 
Manassas,  Bristow,  Catlett's  and  the  bridge  near  Cat- 
lett's.  Jackson  struck  in  there  (at  Manassas)  and  tore 
us  pretty  well  to  pieces.  John  C.  Robinson,  then  our 
Brigadier,  issued  an  order  that  the  enlisted  men  of  the 
8yth  should  report  to  and  maneuver  with  the  io5th  Pa., 
and  so  at  the  time  I  was  wounded  we  were  under  com 
mand  of  Colonel  Craige,  of  that  regiment.  Just  prior 
to  my  being  struck,  General  Robinson  had  ordered  us 
to  fix  bayonets  and  lie  down,  and  as  we  did  so  I  threw 
one  heel  up  over  the  other  and  was  in  that  position 
when  hit.  I  had  been  talking  with  the  sergeant-major 


184  THE   CAREER   OF 

of  the  105th  Pennsylvania,  and  knew  his  position  from 
the  chevrons  on  his  sleeves,  but  was  ignorant  of  his 
name.  The  first  intimation  I  had  of  the  extent  of  my 
injury  was  when  he  jumped  to  his  feet  and  exclaimed: 
'  My  God  !  look  at  that  poor  boy  with  both  feet  gone  ! ' 

When  the  boys  picked  me  up  they  laid  me  on  a 
blanket  —  no  stretcher  being  available  —  and  twisted  a 
musket  in  on  each  side  and  lifted  me  to  their  shoulders. 
Neither  of  my  legs  had  been  entirely  severed ;  my  feet 
were  hanging  by  shreds  of  flesh.  The  blanket  was 
short,  and  lying  on  it  on  my  face,  I  looked  under  and 
saw  my  feet  dangling  by  the  skin  as  they  hung  off  of 
the  other  end.  Some  kind-hearted  soul  gently  lifted 
them  and  laid  them  on  the  edge  of  the  blanket." 

The  sergeant-major  of  whom  Mr.  Tanner  speaks  is 
now  (or  was  recently)  a  farmer  residing  near  Washing 
ton,  Kansas.  He  wrote  a  long  letter  to  the  Corporal 
under  date  of  May  5,  1887,  which  has  also  been  pub 
lished,  and  extracts  from  which  are  here  given: 

"When  Colonel  Craige  ordered  me  to  take  charge  of 
your  squad  you  seemed  to  be  the  only  one  to  whom  they 
looked  for  commands  (there  were,  I  think,  seventeen  of 
you),  and  I  remember  that  you  impressed  me  as  being 
a  young  man  of  more  than  ordinary  intelligence  and 
ability;  and  I  left  control  of  the  boys  almost  entirely  in 
your  hands,  and  that  is  how  we  happened  to  be  to 
gether  when  you  were  struck.  I  know  that  your  squad 
had  been  assigned  to  our  regiment  and  that  we  were  in 
line  of  battle  when  you  were  hit  by  a  cannon-ball.  I 
am  led  to  believe  it  was  a  cannon-ball  because  there 
was  no  after-explosion.  I  recollect  that  it  was  the  whirr 
of  the  missile  that  caused  me  to  look  up  when  I  saw  it 
coming  for  us.  I  remember  well  the  house  above  us 
and  a  little  to  our  right,  with  an  old  orchard,  mostly 
peach,  between.  We  lay  in  a  hollow  where  a  tree  had 
once  stood,  you  on  your  left  and  I  on  my  right  side  as 


CORPORAL  TANNER.  185 

we  talked.  While  talking  we  noticed  a  '  speller '  near 
a  peach  tree  just  above  us.  I  crawled  up  to  it  and  as  I 
laid  my  hand  on  it  I  heard,  and  then  looking  up,  saw 
the  whizzing  fragment  coming  down  for  us.  My  nose 
went  into  the  ground  till  I  heard  the  thud  behind  me, 
when  I  looked  and  saw  at  once  your  sad  fate;  the  bleed 
ing,  feetless  legs  sticking  up  so  shocked  me  that  I  have 
no  recollection  of  what  I  may  have  said.  I  will  quote 
verbatim  from  my  journal,  written  the  next  day  while 
we  lay  near  Centreville: 

"  '  A  few  of  the  8yth  New  York  boys  were  with  us, 
and  one  of  them,  lying  within  five  or  six  feet  of  me, 
had  both  feet  cut  off  by  a  cannon  ball  that  struck  him. 
He  seemed  to  be  a  brave  lad,  but  it  was  a  heartrending 
sight  to  see  his  look  as  he  stuck  up  to  view  his  footless 
legs.  I  have  witnessed  many  horrid  scenes,  but  never 
one  that  sent  such  a  thrill  of  painful  feeling  through  me 
as  this.  *  *  * 

' '  Fraternally  yours, 

"R.   J.  BOYINGTON, 
"Sergeant  Major  io$th  Pa.,  and 

" ist  Lieut.  Co.  '/'  lojth  Pa." 

Capt.  B.  F.  Butterfield,  of  Erie,  Pa.,  contributes  his 
quota  to  this  ' '  o'er- true  tale. ' '  He  was  the  soldier  who 
tenderly  lifted  up  the  Corporal's  mangled  feet  and  re 
placed  them  on  the  blanket.  He  writes  : 

"  I  was  then  (August  30,  1862,)  a  private  of  Co.  'B,' 
63d  Pa.  Our  Brigade,  as  far  as  my  memory  now  serves 
me,  consisted  of  the  5yth,  63d,  and  io5th  Pa.,  8yth  N. 
Y.,  and  the  2oth  Ind.,  Gen.  Robinson  commanding. 

'  There  was  a  sort  of  shallow  ravine  or  dip  about  the 
center  of  the  field  in  which  we  lay,  which  ran  at  right 
angles  to  the  front.  The  bed  of  a  small,  dry  rivulet  ran 
through  this.  The  rebels  seemed  to  have  discovered  us 
early.  I  think  it  was  from  the  men  on  the  hill  picking 
peaches,  the  trees  of  which  were  full  and  ripe.  I  re- 


186  THE   CAREER   OF 

member  there  were  yells  from  our  line  of  '  Get  down  ! ' 
'  Come  down  out  of  that  ! '  to  the  fellows  on  the  hill. 
It  was  but  a  few  moments  until  a  battery  of  at  least  four 
guns  was  pitching  shells  at  and  over  us  in  a  lively  man 
ner.  The  r 05th,  I  think,  was  the  next  regiment  to  us, 
and  it  was  immediately  after  the  explosion  of  a  shell  in 
the  air  rather  close  to  us  that  you  were  carried  by  in  a 
blanket.  I  thought  at  first  that  you  were  a  io5th  man, 
but  seeing  your  'New  York  jacket,'  concluded  that  you 
belonged  to  Hobart  Ward's  (Second)  Brigade. 

"Your  face  was  that  of  a  youth  of  about  eighteen, 
and  as  our  boys  came  up,  with  expressions  of  pity  on 
thei'r  faces,  you  remarked,  if  you  recollect  it,  '  Never 
mind,  boys,'  or  something  like  that.  I  thought  it  very 
plucky  at  the  time,  and  the  incident  left  a  vivid  im 
pression  on  my  memory,  and  although  the  day  previous 
and  on  many  battle-fields,  both  before  and  after,  I  wit 
nessed  death  and  wounds  in  many  forms,  the  circum 
stances  of  this  case  I  shall  always  distinctly  recall." 

Mr.  Isaac  W.  Lawrence,  at  present  an  official  in  the 
Department  of  Taxes  and  Assessments  of  the  city  of 
Brooklyn,  was  one  of  the  soldiers  who  carried  Corporal 
Tanner  off  the  field  when  wounded.  His  recollection 
of  the  incident  is  very  clear  and  minute,  and  he  thus  re 
lated  it  to  a  reporter  of  the  New  York  Herald  soon  after 
Mr.  Tanner's  appointment  as  Commissioner  of  Pensions: 

' '  James  Tanner  was  a  tall  but  boyish-looking  soldier 
when  the  enemy's  fire  cut  him  down.  He  was  color 
corporal  of  Company  '  C,'  8yth  New  York  Volunteers. 
I  was  a  private  in  '  H  '  Company  of  the  same  regiment. 
We  were  attached  to  the  First  Brigade,  First  Division, 
Third  Corps.  General  John  C.  Robinson  was  our 
Brigade  Commander  when  we  came  up  from  the  Penin 
sula  and  joined  Pope's  Army.  Kearny's  Division  was 
sent  ahead,  while  our  Brigade  went  along  the  line  of 


CORPORAL   TANNER.  187 

the  Manassas  road,  from  Warrenton  to  Manassas  Junc 
tion  by  way  of  Sulphur  Springs.  Five  companies  were 
held  at  Catlett's  Station  while  the  other  five  companies 
of  our  regiment  were  sent  to  Manassas. 

'This  was  in  the  latter  part  of  the  summer  of  1862 
when  Stonewall  Jackson  got  in  the  rear  of  the  army. 
Three  days  before  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run,  and 
the  day  before  the  fight  at  Bristow  Station,  Jackson 
swooped  down  and  gobbled  our  five  companies  at  Ma 
nassas  Junction. 

'  The  next  day  Hooker  and  Kearny  engaged  Jackson 
at  Bristow.  There  were  two  fights  there.  After  being 
cut  up  so,  the  8yth  was  consolidated  with,  or  attached  to, 
the  losth  Pennsylvania.  We  had  no  field  officers  left 
and  only  two  or  three  captains  when  we  formed  the  left 
wing  of  the  Pennsylvania  regiment. 

1 '  From  Bristow  we  marched  to  the  battle-field  of 
Bull  Run.  Most  of  the  remnant  of  our  regiment  got 
scattered.  We  moved  along  with  the  Pennsylvania 
boys  to  the  right  of  the  line,  where  on  a  knoll  we  sup 
ported  a  battery. 

' '  We  were  subjected  to  a  sharp  fire  of  shell  and  shrap 
nel  from  the  guns  of  Hill's  Corps.  The  '  rebs  '  were 
trying  to  turn  the  flank  of  our  army.  We  were  ordered 
to  lie  close  and  get  ready  to  receive  them. 

' '  A  shell  burst  over  our  heads.  I  was  lying  along 
side  of  Corporal  Tanner.  The  butt  end  of  the  shell 
came  down,  struck  Tanner's  left  ankle,  and  passing 
through  that  member,  lodged  in  his  right  ankle,  sever 
ing  the  left  and  shattering  the  right.  Both  feet  hung 
by  shreds  of  flesh.  W^e  had  to  pick  the  metal  out  of 
the  right  leg.  '  Good  Lord  !  Look  at  that  boy.  He 
has  both  legs  off! '  exclaimed  the  sergeant-major  of  the 
io5th  Pennsylvania. 

'Yes,'  answered  the  plucky  Corporal,  'and  if  you 
don't  get  me  out  of  here  pretty  quick  my  head  will  be 
off.' 

'Take  him  right  back  to  the  surgeon,  boys,'  said 
an  officer. 


iSS  THE:  CAREER  OF 

"  Then  Sergeant  Sproul,  a  corporal  and  myself  placed 
Tanner  on  a  blanket  and  carried  him  to  the  rear,  where 
we  got  a  stretcher  for  him.  A  surgeon  amputated  both 
legs. 

1 '  Then  the  fire  of  the  enemy  came  nearer  and  nearer 
to  where  we  were,  and  taking  him  on  the  stretcher,  we 
carried  him  about  half  a  mile  to  a  house  which  was  used 
as  an  hospital.  But  it  was  full  of  wounded,  and  we  laid 
him  down  on  the  ground  beside  the  door. 

' '  The  Johnnies  were  hotly  pressing  our  lines  and  Tan 
ner  said :  '  Boys,  never  mind  me.  Get  back  for  your 
own  safety.  Give  me  a  canteen  of  water  and  leave  me.' 

' '  I  filled  a  canteen  from  a  well  near  by  and  gave  it  to 
him.  Then  we  boys  scattered  in  every  direction. 

' '  When  I  came  back  from  the  army  on  furlough  in 
March,  1864,  I  was  going  down  Broadway  one  day,  and 
was  in  the  neighborhood  of  Trinity  Church  when  I  saw  a 
young  man  walking  towards  me  with  a  peculiar  gait,  and 
carrying  a  cane. 

' ' '  Hello  !  Company  '  H '  ! '  cried  the  young  man. 

"  'Hello  yourself,  but  you've  got  the  best  of  me,' 
said  I. 

"  '  What  !  Don't  you  remember  Jim  Tanner  ? ' 

' ' '  You  ain'  t  Jim  Tanner.  He  had  both  legs  cut  off ; 
you  haven't.' 

"  '  Feel  them,'  said  the  Corporal,  for  such  he  really 
was. 

' '  I  felt  and  saw  they  were  artificial.  Of  course  our 
meeting  was  a  pleasant  one. 

' '  When  Mr.  Tanner  was  made  Collector  of  Taxes 
for  Brooklyn  he  sent  for  me  and  appointed  me  to  a  clerk 
ship  in  his  office,  and  I  have  been  here  ever  since." 

Mr.  William  A.  Shute,  now  an  employe  of  the  Pen. 
sion  Bureau,  was  a  fellow-sufferer  with  Corporal  Tan 
ner  on  this  occasion,  having  lost  a  leg  at  the  same  battle. 
His  experience  will  be  read  with  interest.  He  writes 
thus  under  date  of  May  i,  1892  : 


CORPORA!,    TANNER.  189 

"  Dear  Captain  Smith:  My  recollection  of  the  disas 
trous  Second  Bull  Run  is  naturally  pretty  clear,  for  I 
ended  my  army  service  on  that  bloody  field. 

' '  During  the  battle  a  field  hospital  was  established 
in  a  farm  yard  just  to  the  rear  of  where  Rickett's  Di 
vision  had  made  their  splendid  charge.  Surgeon  J.  S. 
Jamieson,  of  the  86lh  New  York,  was  in  charge,  assist 
ed  by  a  nephew  of  Gov.  Curtin,  a  surgeon  in  some 
Pennsylvania  regiment.  We  were,  of  course,  inside  the 
enemy's  lines  and  prisoners  of  war.  .  Here  were  grouped 
together  215  of  the  desperately  wounded,  and  among 
them  six  of  us  who  had  lost  seven  legs,  Corporal  Tanner 
contributing  the  double  amputation.  The  first  night 
we  passed  there  with  the  dark  canopy  of  a  stormy  sky 
for  a  covering,  which  eventually  dissolved  and  poured 
down  on  us  a  drenching  rain.  Though  this  was  dis 
agreeable  enough  to  us  poor,  helpless  fellows,  yet  I  have 
often  thought  since  that  it  may  have  been  a  blessing  in 
disguise  by  the  unstinted  application  of  cold  water  it 
afforded  to  our  fevered  limbs.  After  a  couple  of  days 
the  Van  Pelt  residence  was  taken  and  used  as  a  hos 
pital  and  we  legless  victims  of  war  were  carried  in  and 
laid  in  rows  in  the  hall.  The  owner  of  the  house  came 
along  in  the  afternoon  and  his  wrath  at  seeing  his  resi 
dence  used  for  such  purposes  was  extreme,  but  little  at 
tention  was  paid  to  his  bluster. 

"  Late  in  the  evening  of  September  2d,  Medical  Di 
rector  T.  H.  Wingfield,  Inspector  and  Paroling  Officer 
of  the  C.  S.  A.,  came  around  and  paroled  the  wounded, 
but  sent  some  ten  comrades  who  had  been  caring  for  us 
off  to  Richmond.  There  was  only  one  sound  man  left 
with  us,  a  bright,  obliging  young  fellow  who  had  been 
acting  as  hospital  steward  for  our  surgeons,  and  who 
certainly  had  his  hands  full  in  responding  to  the  numer 
ous  demands  made  upon  him.  This  youth  is  now 
known  as  the  Hon.  Charles  E.  Coon,  who1  was  a  few 
years  ago  Assistant  Secretary  of  the  United  States 
Treasury. 


1 90  THE   CAREER  OF 

"That  night  a  large  tent  was  put  up  in  the  yard,  and 
the  worst  cases,  among  whom  were  Corporal  Tanner 
and  myself,  were  removed  to  it.  There  we  stayed  ten 
days  and  nights,  suffering  both  for  food  and  care.  The 
first  four  days,  especially,  we  came  pretty  near  being 
starved.  I  remember  that  I  traded  my  covered  canteen 
with  one  of  the  Confederate  guards  for  his  battered  old 
apology  for  one  and  two  hard  tack  to  boot.  Then  we 
received  some  supplies  under  a  flag  of  truce,  but  had  to 
divide  with  'our  friends,  the  enemy.' 

' '  The  weather  was  excessively  warm,  and  with  no 
one  to  attend  to  us  except  the  embryo  Treasury  official 
alluded  to,  it  is  no  wonder  that  we  all  suffered  dread 
fully,  and  some  died  whose  lives  might  have  been  saved 
under  other  surroundings. 

"  I  lay  next  to  Tanner  and,  although  he  was  but  a 
boy  of  eighteen,  I  never  saw  a  wounded  soldier  bear 
his  misfortune  with  more  nerve  and  patience.  Weak 
and  exhausted  as  I  was,  he  was  still  more  helpless,  and 
I  am  glad  to  know  that  I  was  able,  in  a  wavering  kind 
of  a  way,  to  be  of  some  service  to  the  gallant  boy  whose 
fortitude  I  admired. 

' '  On  the  Qth  of  September,  just  as  the  sun  was  sink 
ing  behind  the  Bull  Run  Mountains,  the  last  train  of 
ambulances  bore  us  away  from  the  famous  battle-field 
with  its  immortal  memories,  and  though  we  had  a  long 
and  wearisome  ride  through  the  night,  its  miseries  were 
wonderfully  relieved  by  the  thought  that  it  was  towards 
our  '  ain  counteree  '  that  we  were  going.  We  reached 
Fairfax  Seminary  at  10  A.  M.  the  succeeding  day,  glad 
to  be  able  to  rest  our  weary  bodies  on  something  softer 
than  the  bare  ground  of  Bull  Run  battle-field,  and  after 
that  we  had  every  attention  that  medical  skill  could 
supply.  Very  truly  yours, 

"W.  A.  SHUTE, 
"Late  of  Co.  '/,'  ijth  Mass.   Vol.  Inf." 


CORPORAL   TANNER.  1 91 

In  Fairfax  Hospital  was  continued  his  long  struggle 
for  life,  with  the  odds  terribly  against  him,  but  a  vigor 
ous  constitution  and  a  stern  determination  to  live 
brought  him  through  this  dreadful  time  when  he  tasted 
the  bitterness  of  death  daily.  His  courage  never  fal 
tered,  and  when  he  began  to  improve  his  first  thought 
was:  "  What  can  I  do,  thus  crippled,  to  hold  my  place 
among  men  ? ' '  His  ambition  could  not  brook  the  thought 
that  he  must  be  contented  to  go  to  the  wall  in  the 
world's  battle  because  of  his  misfortune. 

After  a  long  course  of  treatment  in  the  hospital  he 
became  strong  enough  to  be  removed  to  the  old  home 
in  Schoharie,  where  his  native  air  and  the  cordial  sym 
pathy  of  every  man,  woman  and  child  in  the  county 
did  wonders  in  bringing  back  his  health.  He  was 
skillfully  fitted  with  artificial  limbs,  which  he  soon 
learned  to  manage  passably  well.  Through  the  in 
fluence  of  his  friends,  who  admired  his  plucky  fight 
against  adverse  circumstances,  he  was  appointed  Deputy 
Doorkeeper  of  the  Assembly,  at  Albany,  and  subse 
quently  held  various  positions  under  the  Legislature, 
which  he  filled  with  credit.  His  misfortune,  his  nerve 
and  his  undoubted  abilities  soon  made  his  name  known 
beyond  his  native  State,  and  in  1864  he  came  to  Wash 
ington  to  take  a  clerkship  in  the  War  Department 
under  Secretary  Stanton. 

On  the  night  of  the  assassination  of  President  Lin 
coln  he  was  called  upon  to  take  notes  of  the  first  official 
evidence  regarding  the  tragedy,  and  this  duty  brought 
him  the  sad  privilege  of  standing  by  the  bedside  of  the 
d}Ting  President. 

The  monotonous  routine  of  clerical  life,  however, 


IQ2  THE   CAREER   OF 

soon  wearied  his  energetic  spirit,  and  in  December,  1865, 
he  resigned  his  position,  returned  to  Richmondville  and 
began  the  study  of  law  with  Judge  William  C.  Lament. 
He  married  in  the  same  year  a  daughter  of  Alfred  C. 
White,  of  Jefferson,  N.  Y. 

He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1869.  He  then  ac 
cepted  a  position  in  the  New  York  Custom  House  and 
took  up  his  residence  in  Brooklyn,  where  his  eloquence, 
his  vim  and  tact  soon  made  him  a  man  of  mark  in  the 
councils  of  his  party.  On  a  competitive  examination 
he  rose  to  the  position  of  Deputy  Collector  and  served 
as  such  four  years  under  Gen.  Chester  A.  Arthur. 

In  1871  he  was  the  Republican  candidate  for  the 
Assembly  from  the  Fourth,  King's  County,  district,  but 
was  counted  out  in  the  election  frauds  of  that  year. 
He  was  nominated  for  County  Register  by  the  Repub 
licans  in  1876,  and  while  the  Democratic  ticket  had  a 
majority  of  19,000,  he  was  defeated  by  less  than  2,000 
votes,  a  magnificent  tribute  to  his  popularity  among 
all  classes  of  his  fellow-citizens. 

Connected  as  he  had  been  with  the  Grand  Army  of 
the  Republic  almost  from  its  inception,  no  man  more 
enjoyed  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  his  comrades 
than  "Corporal  Tanner."  They  knew  him  to  possess 
sound  judgment,  ripe  experience  and  enthusiastic  de 
votion  to  the  Order,  so  it  was  but  natural  that  he 
should  eventually  become  a  leader.  In  1876  he  was 
elected  Commander  of  the  Department  of  New  York. 
He  assumed  the  office  at  a  time  when  discouragement 
and  disappointment  pervaded  the  organization,  grow 
ing  out  of  the  neglect  of  the  State  to  provide  for  her 
helpless  and  homeless  disabled  veterans. 


CORPORA!,   TANNER.  193 

The  soldiers,  stung  by  the  ingratitude  of  those  in 
whose,  defense  they  had  braved  death  and  sacrificed 
their  health,  began  to  despair.  The  outlook  was  dis 
couraging,  indeed.  But  Commander  Tanner  threw 
himself  into  the  work,  heart  and  soul.  Calling  to  his 
assistance  that  true  patriot,  Rev.  Henry  Ward  Beecher, 
the  good  work  was  inaugurated  by  a  mass  meeting  in 
Brooklyn,  when  $  13,000  was  subscribed  towards  a 
Home  for  the  veterans.  During  the  two  years  that 
Mr.  Tanner  was  Department  Commander — for  he  served 
two  terms — he  traversed  the  State  from  the  sea  to  the 
lakes,  setting  forth  in  glowing  words  the  veterans' 
needs,  the  debt  of  gratitude  due  them  from  the  State, 
and  the  shame  of  degrading  her  maimed  defenders  to 
the  condition  of  alms-house  paupers.  He  so  fired  the 
hearts  of  the  citizens  that  a  flood  of  petitions  poured 
in  on  the  legislature,  and  tardy  justice  was  meted  out. 
A  magnificent  "Soldiers'  Home"  was  erected  at  Bath, 
Steuben  County,  where  six  hundred  disabled  veterans 
find  the  repose  and  comforts  of  a  home.  Truly  "a 
monument  more  durable  than  brass"  to  Commander 
Tanner's  zeal  and  energy  in  behalf  of  his  comrades. 

Mr.  Tanner  has  been  conspicuous  for  years  in  securing 
just  and  generous  pension  legislation  from  Congress. 
He  has  been  a  familiar  figure  before  the  Committees  of 
the  Senate  and  House  having  these  matters  in  charge, 
and  his  eloquent  pleas  have  had  a  powerful  effect  in 
shaping  legislative  action  for  the  benefit  of  those  who 
had  suffered  in  defense  of  their  country.  He  gave  his 
time,  his  labor  and  his  talents  to  this  cause  without  fee 
or  reward,  paying  his  own  expenses  on  his  frequent 
trips  to  the  Capital  in  behalf  of  his  disabled  comrades. 


194  THE   CAREER   OF 

To  show  the  broad-minded  liberality  of  Mr.  Tanner, 
an  incident,  or  rather,  action,  may  be  here  related, 
although  it  occurred  subsequent  to  the  period  of  which 
we  are  speaking.  Although  a  man  of  most  positive 
views,  with  the  courage  of  his  convictions  in  all  places 
and  circumstances,  a  life-long  sufferer  from  wounds  re 
ceived  in  the  war,  yet  has  he  been  quick  to  lend  his  help 
to  the  sufferers  who  fought  on  the  other  side,  ' '  not, ' ' 
as  he  said,  "on  account  of  their  cause,  but  for  the 
reason  that  they  were  brave  Americans."  While  on  a 
visit  to  Richmond,  Va.,  the  sad  condition  of  numerous 
maimed  and  helpless  soldiers  of  the  Confederacy  was 
on  one  occasion  the  subject  of  discussion  among  several 
ex-members  of  both  armies,  and  their  pitiful  lot  was 
contrasted  with  that  of  the  Union  soldiers,  for  whom 
the  Government  could  not  do  too  much.  Corporal 
Tanner's  heart  was  touched,  and  his  active  brain  worked 
up  a  scheme  for  their  relief.  He  suggested  that  the 
citizens  of  Virginia  should  take  the  matter  in  hand, 
build  and  equip  a  home,  and  then  demand  that  the 
State  should  care  for  it.  The  idea  took  at  once,  and  acting 
upon  his  advice  appeals  were  made  to  the  soldiers  of  the 
Grand  Army  for  aid.  Further,  a  great  meeting  was  held, 
under  his  inspiration,  at  the  Academy  of  Music  in 
Brooklyn,  to  aid  in  this  object,  which  was  addressed, 
among  others,  by  Rev.  Henry  Ward  Beecher  and  Rev. 
J.  M.  Foster,  at  which  some  $1,600  was  realized  for  the 
proposed  Confederate  Home.  This  was  the  nucleus  of 
a  fund  which  has  since  swelled  to  $25,000.  So  grate 
ful  were  the  Southern  friends  of  the  institution  that 
when  the  work  was  inaugurated  at  Richmond  this  stal 
wart  Republican  was  unanimously  selected  as  one  of 


CORPORA!,  TANNER.  195 

the  Trustees  of  the  Home,  which  position,  however,  he 
declined  to  accept,  although  assuring  the  promoters 
that  it  would  always  be  a  profound  satisfaction  to  him 
to  feel  that  he  had  been  able  to  do  something  towards 
providing  the  comforts  of  life  for  some  of  the  crippled, 
homeless  veterans  who  had  gone  down  with  the  cause 
for  which  they  had  battled  in  vain. 

In  November,  1877,  Mr.  Tanner  was  appointed  Col 
lector  of  Taxes  for  the  City  of  Brooklyn,  which  office 
he  held  with  universal  acceptance  for  eight  years, 
through  both  the  Republican  and  Democratic  municipal 
administrations. 

With  that  restless  energy  characteristic  of  the  man, 
he  instituted  numerous  reforms  in  the  system  of  con 
ducting  the  business,  extending  greater  facilities  to  the 
tax -payers  and  reducing  the  expenses  of  the  office  fully 
fifty  per  cent. 

To  show  the  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  by  his 
fellow  citizens  a  few  extracts  from  the  leading  journals 
of  the  city  are  quoted. 

The  Brooklyn  Daily  Times  of  November  30,  1885, 
calls  his  administration  ' '  A  Phenomenal  Success, ' '  and 
then  goes  on  to  say. 

' '  When  he  entered  the  office  some  ten  years  ago,  the 
receipt  of  $400,000  was  considered  a  big  thing  for  the 
first  day  on  which  taxes  could  be  received.  Since  he 
introduced  the  system  of  payment  by  check  through 
the  mails,  the  payments  have  so  increased  that  a  vast 
amount  of  money  is  thrown  into  the  municipal  treasury 
the  moment  the  civic  authorities  can  legally  receive  it. 
Last  year  the  amount  in  the  hands  of  the  Tax  Col 
lector,  paid  by  check,  on  the  ist  of  December,  was 
$2,000,000.  The  year  before  it  was  $1,500,000.  To- 


196  THE  CAREER   OF 

day  Collector  Tanner  is  of  the  opinion  that  by  to 
morrow  morning  he  will  have  in  his  possession  $3,000,- 
ooo  of  the  taxes  of  1886,  or  not  far  from  half  of  the 
entire  levy.  The  Collector  and  his  cash  room  work 
until  midnight  every  night." 

The  Brooklyn  Daily  Eagle  of  December  2,  1885, 
says: 

"Collector  Tanner  paid  to  the  Treasurer  last  evening, 
as  the  first  day's  receipts  for  the  taxes  of  1885,  $3,236,- 
885.69,  as  against  $2,762,306  on  the  first  day  of  pay 
ment  last  year.  He  was  enabled  to  make  this  large 
payment  through  the  system  of  furnishing  bills  and 
allowing  property  owners  to  send  checks  for  a  fortnight 
in  advance  of  December  i,  on  which  date  the  taxes 
actually  become  due. ' ' 

The  Daily  Standard  of  December  8,  1885,  has  a  long 
article  commending  and  detailing  Collector  Tanner's 
improved  methods.  It  is  too  long  to  quote  entire,  but 
a  few  excerpts  will  show  its  gist : 

' '  The  success  of  the  plan  originated  by  Tax  Collec 
tor  Tanner  in  accommodating  the  public  in  the  matter 
of  paying  their  yearly  taxes  has  been  more  marked 
this  year  than  ever  Before.  The  amount  of  taxes  paid 
the  first  day,  when  Corporal  Tanner  went  in  office,  was 
$400,000.  This  was  doubled  the  next  year,  and  has 
gone  on  increasing  until  this  year,  when  it  is  more  than 
half  a  million  in  excess  of  last  year." 

The  Daily  Times  of  December  26,  1885,  said: 

"  It  is  generally  admitted  that  the  city  never  had  a  bet 
ter  tax  collector  than  James  Tanner.  The  reforms  he 
has  introduced  in  the  workings  of  the  office  have  been 
widely  appreciated,  and  the  public,  without  distinction  of 


CORPORAL  TANNER.  197 

party,  have  given  repeated  and  tangible  proofs  of  their 
satisfaction.  If  he  must  now  give  place  to  a  Demo 
crat,  it  may  at  least  be  hoped  that  his  successor  will 
be  one  who  can  be  trusted  to  continue  the  administra 
tion  of  the  office  in  the  same  line  of  business  princi 
ples." 

Upon  the  incoming  of  a  Democratic  city  government 
in  1886  a  strong  effort  wras  made  to  have  Mr.  Tanner  re 
tained  in  the  office.  General  Isaac  S.  Catlin,  who  had 
been  the  unsuccessful  candidate  for  the  mayoralty  against 
the  Democratic  nominee,  said  to  a  representative  of  the 
Standard: 

' '  There  are  in  Brooklyn  from  five  to  seven  thousand 
veterans  in  the  Posts  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Re 
public,  and  there  is  not  a  Post  in  the  city  that  would 
not  pass  resolutions  warmly  thanking  Mr.  Hardenburgh 
(the  newly-appointed  collector)  in  getting  out  in  favor 
of  a  badly-maimed  soldier  if  Mr.  Tanner  should  be 
re-appointed  to  his  present  position.  By  common  con 
sent  Tanner  has  tnade  the  best  collector  of  taxes  that 
any  city  in  the  United  States  ever  had.  Fifty-five 
millions  of  dollars  have  passed  through  his  hands,  and 
not  one  cent  of  this  stupendous  sum  remains  unac 
counted  for.  Every  Brooklyn  taxpayer  knows  that  he 
has  vastly  improved  the  system  of  collection." 

But  the  exigencies  of  the  political  situation  prevented 
the  accomplishment  of  the  popular  wish  to  have  him 
retained. 

After  his  retirement  from  the  collector's  office  Mr. 
Tanner  was  in  constant  demand  on  the  lecture  platform, 
his  reputation  as  a  public  speaker,  eloquent,  logical  and 
witty,  having  been  firmly  established,  and  the  announce 
ment  of  an  address  by  "  Corporal  Tanner  "  was  found 


I98  THE   CAREER   OF 

to  be  about  the  best  drawing  card  lyceum  managers  and 
Grand  Army  posts  throughout  the  country  could  offer. 

He  was  especially  happy  in  his  remarks  and  thor 
oughly  in  his  element  at  the  reunions  of  veteran  sol 
diers,  and  there  is  no  one  that  the  "  boys  "  would  rather 
listen  to. 

At  a  meeting  of  New  Hampshire  veterans,  held  in 
August,  1885,  he  was  present,  and,  of  course,  was 
called  on  "to  speak  a  piece."  His  address  was  thus 
reported  by  the  Boston  Globe  : 

"Corporal  Tanner  began  by  referring  to  camp-fires 
and  the  soldier's  life  generally,  and  to  the  time  'When 
Johnny  came  marching  home.'  He  then  described  in  a 
facetious  way  soldiers'  fare,  the  troubles  they  used  to 
have  in  baking  '  hoe  cakes, '  which  were  so  often  allowed 
to  burn  up  before  the  fire,  through  the  knavery  of  some 
envious  outsider  who  would  manage  to  distract  the  at 
tention  of  the  cook  at  the  critical  moment,  and  so  ruin 
what  he  could  not  share  in.  He  then  made  passing 
allusions  to  certain  raids  on  hen-roosts,  of  which  he  had 
heard,  but  requested  his  hearers  not  to  judge  the  boys 
top  harshly  for  little  failings  of  this  kind.  They  simply 
wished  in  a  quiet  way  to  keep  down  the  enormous  ex 
penses  of  the  Commissary  Department.  '  After  a  liberal 
dispensation  of  salt  pork  and  hard  tack,'  he  said,  'for 
an  indefinite  length  of  time,  it  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  a 
hungry  soldier  wants  to  have  any  conscientious  scruples 
as  to  the  remarkable  longevity  attained  by  a  well-fat 
tened  chicken.  Yes,  we  all  own  up  after  a  while.  Some 
would  rather  go  into  a  fight  than  eat.  I  would  rather 
eat.' 

;<The  speaker  then  went  on  to  relate  the  story  of 
Malvern  Hill,  giving  a  description  of  the  field,  paying 
just  tribute  to  the  valor  of  the  'Johnny  Rebs,'  as  they 
charged  up  again  and  again  to  the  very  mouths  of  the 
guns.  He  also  related  the  anecdote  of  the  rabbit  which, 


CORPORAL  TANNER.  1 99 

affrighted  by  the  uproar  all  around  it,  fled  at  the  top  of 
its  speed  across  the  front  to  the  security  of  a  distant 
woods,  and  as  it  was  disappearing  over  the  brow  of  a 
hill  a  gallant  young  officer,  who  was  gazing  after  it 
with  longing  eyes,  burst  out:  'Go  it,  old  cotton-tail! 
If  it  was  n't  for  the  looks  of  the  thing  I'd  be  with  you  ! ' 
"  It  may  be  that  some  people  think  and  say  that  this 
soldier  business  is  played  out.  This,  no  well-informed 
person  will  acknowledge,  for  the  spirit  that  actuates  the 
boys  now  is  the  same  that  inspired  them  to  march,  to 
suffer,  to  fight,  when  their  valor  was  all  that  stood 
between  their  country  and  ruin." 

He  was  no  less  a  favorite  on  the  stump,  and  his  abil 
ity  as  an  orator,  his  intense,  infectious  earnestness  and 
loyalty  to  the  principles  of  the  Republican  party,  made 
his  services  eagerly  sought  for  in  every  political  cam 
paign  during  that  stirring  period.  In  1886  he  stumped 
the  State  of  California  for  Mr.  Swift,  candidate  for 
Governor.  In  1887  he  went  through  Oregon  like  a 
cyclone,  and  the  Republican  victory  there  was  largely 
owing  to  his  labors. 

During  the  Presidential  campaign  of  that  year  his 
eloquent  voice  was  heard  through  the  length  and 
breadth  of  Indiana  in  impassioned  appeals  to  the  sol 
diers  to  rally  to  the  support  of  General  Harrison  and 
the  Republican  candidate  for  Governor,  Alvin  P. 
Hovey,  and  he  contributed  in  no  small  measure  to  their 
successful  canvass. 

Upon  the  inauguration  of  President  Harrison  there 
seemed  to  be  a  general  consensus  of  opinion,  especially 
among  the  soldiers,  as  to  the  proper  person  to  take  the 
responsible  office  of  Commissioner  of  Pensions  under 
the  new  administration.  It  seemed  to  belong  to  this 


2OO  THE   CAREER   OF 

maimed  defender  of  his  country,  whose  long  service  on 
the  National  Pension  Committee  of  the  Grand  Army  of 
the  Republic,  added  to  his  legal  knowledge  and  admitted 
ability,  rendered  him,  in  popular  estimation,  peculiarly 
fitted  for  its  important  duties. 

He  was  appointed  Commissioner  of  Pensions  by 
President  Harrison,  March  23,  1889,  and  here  he  found 
a  new  and  acceptable  field  for  the  exercise  of  his  energy, 
enthusiasm  and  talents.  Thoroughly  sympathizing 
with  the  disabled  victims  of  the  War  for  the  Union,  he 
yet  determined  to  construe  the  pension  laws  with  strict 
and  even-handed  j.ustice.  What  his  personal  feelings 
were  may  be  gathered  from  a  rather  celebrated  address 
he  made  at  Columbia,  Tenn.,  soon  after  his  appoint 
ment.  Speaking  of  the  policy  to  be  pursued  he  said : 

"  For  long  years  I  have  had  one  conscientious  con 
viction  in  my  heart,  which  has  grown  with  the  years,  and 
which  is  stronger  to-day  than  ever  before,  namely,  that 
it  is  the  bounden  duty  of  this  great  Republic  of  ours  to 
see  to  it  that  no  man  who  wore  the  blue  and  laid  it  off 
in  honor  shall  ever  be  permitted  to  crawl  under  the 
roof  of  an  alms-house  for  shelter." 

And  again  : 

"  Within  the  limitations  of  the  law,  with  due  regard 
to  my  official  oath,  I  here  broadly  assert  that  everything 
I  can  do  to  assist  the  needy  and  suffering  veterans  shall 
be  done." 

The  popular  approval  of  Mr.  Tanner's  selection  as 
Commissioner  of  Pensions  was  universal  and  wide 
spread.  A  few  extracts  from  that  ' '  pulse  of  the  people, ' ' 
the  Press,  will  show  this. 


CORPORAL   TANNKR.  2O1 

The  Chicago  Inter-Ocean  said  : 

' '  The  Commissioner  of  Pensions  is  a  man  who  has 
made  the  pension  system  the  study  of  the  best  years  of 
his  life,  and  who  is  supremely  desirous  to  apply  it  to  the 
benefit  of  those  for  whose  aid  it  was  devised.  It  is 
much  to  have  a  Department  administered  by  a  chief 
who  is  desirous  that  the  object  for  which  it  was  estab 
lished  shall  be  accomplished  by  it. ' ' 

The  San  Francisco  Chronicle: 

' '  The  new  Commissioner  seems  to  be  taking  hold  of 
his  work  understandingly,  and  will  make  an  efficient 
and  valuable  officer. ' ' 

The  Milwaukee  Sentinel: 

'  The  new  Commissioner  of  Pensions  is  thoroughly 
in  sympathy  with  the  veterans.  He  has  shown  himself 
in  every  act  he  has  performed  a  sincere  friend  of  the  sol 
diers." 

The  New  York  Tribune: 

"Corporal  Tanner,  the  new  Commissioner  of  Pen 
sions,  has  already  instituted  several  salutary  reforms." 

The  Troy  Times: 

'  The  way  in  which  Commissioner  Tanner  dispatches 
the  business  of  the  Pension  Department  is  commended 
on  all  sides,  particularly  among  the  Grand  Army  vet 
erans." 

The  Grand  Army  Gazette: 

'The  Grand  Army  Gazette  receives  with  pleasure 
the  announcement  of  the  appointment  of  Comrade  James 
Tanner  to  the  highly  honorable  position  of  Comrnis- 


202  THE   CAREER   OP 

sioner  of  Pensions,  and  begs  to  tender  to  him  its  very 
hearty  congratulations,"  etc. 

The  National  Tribune  addressed  him  an  open  letter  of 
congratulation,  from  which  this  sentence  is  quoted  : 

;<  Your  appointment  was  a  recognition  of  the  wide 
spread  esteem  of  your  comradeship  and  of  the  unmis 
takable  desire  of  the  veterans  all  over  the  country  that 
you  be  put  in  charge  of  the  administration  of  the  Na 
tion's  justice  to  her  soldiers." 

And  so  it  went  all  over  the  country.  Mr.  Tanner 
' '  buckled  down  ' '  to  the  great  work  before  him  with 
that  tremendous,  cheerful  energy  that  always  charac 
terized  him.  In  the  first  six  weeks  of  his  administra 
tion  nearly  20,000  pension  certificates  were  issued,  a 
gain  of  over  4,000  above  the  corresponding  period  of 
the  previous  year. 

And  just  here  comes  in  a  little  "bit  "  of  Mr.  Tan 
ner's  home  life  that  is  delightful  and  thoroughly 
characteristic.  After  a  couple  of  months'  siege  of  hotel 
life  and  ' '  the  incessant  appearance  of  the  bell  boys 
with  visitors'  cards ' '  when  he  was  expecting  a  little 
relief  from  the  cares  of  the  day,  he  broke  out  gleefully 
as  a  school  boy  to  a  correspondent  of  one  of  the  Brook 
lyn  papers  : 

' '  My  wife  has  at  last  decided  to  take  the  old  Weaver 
mansion  on  Georgetown  Heights,  and  I  am  more 
relieved  than  I  can  tell  you.  The  place  has  some  great 
advantages.  There  are  three  acres  of  ground  and  I  can 
keep  a  lot  of  dogs.  This  will  render  it  rather  difficult 
of  access  to  the  average  office-seeker.  Since  I  have 
been  at  the  head  of  the  Pension  Bureau  I  have  had 
scarcely  any  time  to  myself,  and  I  really  could  not 


CORPORAL   TANNER,  2C>3 

stand  the  constant  strain.  The  Weaver  place  is  most 
delightfully  situated;  the  air  is  cool,  pleasant  and 
healthy,  and  we  shall  move  in  as  soon  as  some  repairs 
are  concluded,  and  the  sooner  we  get  there  the  better 
satisfied  both  Mrs.  Tanner  and  myself  will  be. ' ' 

It  is  doubtful,  however,  whether  the  change  gave 
him  much  relief,  for  as  one  of  his  friends  said :  ' '  They 
left  the  latch-string  hanging  out,  and  it  would  n't  be 
Jim  Tanner's  house  if  they  did  n't." 

One  affecting  incident  that  occurred  early  in  Mr.  Tan 
ner's  administration  was  connected  with  the  troubles  of 
the  New  York  City  Agency  for  paying  pensions,  in  charge 
of  Gen.  Franz  Sigel.  The  circumstances  are  familiar 
enough  to  newspaper  readers  and  it  is  not  necessary  to 
detail  them.  General  Sigel,  himself  the  soul  of  honor, 
was  technically  responsible  for  the  misdeeds  of  a  sub 
ordinate,  and  tendered  his  resignation  to  Commissioner 
Tanner,  who  assured  him  that  the  matter  in  question 
did  not  reflect  upon  his  honesty. 

"I  tell  you,"  said  the  Commissioner,  relating  the 
occurrence,  "it  was  pathetic.  I  could  remember  how 
General  Sigel' s  horse  had  splashed  mud  over  me  as  I 
stood  in  the  ranks  and  he  galloped  along  the  line  with 
his  splendid  staff  in  the  old  heroic  days,  and  now  here 
he  was,  a  broken  old  man,  offering  me  his  resignation 
of  an  honorable  and  lucrative  office.  But  I  want  the 
people  to  understand  that  General  Sigel' s  personal 
record  in  the  Pension  Office  is  clean." 

As  the  summer  wore  on  the  attacks  of  the  opponents 
of  Commissioner  Tanner  grew  in  violence.  His  resolve 
to  cut  red  tape  in  the  adjudication  of  meritorious  claims; 
his  indignant  denunciation  of  the  paltry  stipends  of  one, 


204  THE  CAREER  OF 

two  and  three  dollars  per  month  doled  out  to  disabled 
veterans,  and  his  avowed  determination  to  reissue  the 
certificates  of  those  unfortunates  upon  a  more  liberal 
basis,  as  was  within  his  legal  discretion,  aroused  a  host 
of  powerful  enemies,  not  confined,  it  may  be  suggested, 
to  one  political  party.  As  it  was  a  pretty  dull  season 
anyhow,  barren  of  any  exciting  subject  for  treatment, 
the  newspapers  entered  into  the  discussion  of  his  meth 
ods  and  plans  with  ardor  (too  often  assumed).  He  was 
specially  accused  of  having  nefarious  designs,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  ex-soldiers,  upon  the  mysterious  ' '  sur 
plus  ' '  in  the  Treasury,  that  was  a  cause  of  much  worri- 
ment  to  many  editors  and  politicians  who  had  none  of 
their  own.  Then  his  noted  Columbia,  Tenn.,  speech, 
delivered  May,  1889,  added  to  the  excitement  in  various 
quarters,  and  was  made  the  subject  of  comment,  friendly 
or  otherwise,  by  almost  every  newspaper  in  the  country. 
As  this  was  probably  the  most  important  address  Mr. 
Tanner  made,  at  least  during  his  incumbency  of  a  Fed 
eral  office,  extracts  sufficient  to  show  its  general  spirit 
and  tenor  are  appended. 

Delivered  before  a  distinctively  Southern  audience,  its 
beauty  of  diction  and  sentiment,  the  fervid  eloquence 
of  its  delivery,  and  the  manly  sympathy  of  the  orator 
with  the  ' '  maimed  victims  of  the  Lost  Cause,  sitting  in 
the  solitude  of  their  wrecked  and  ruined  homes,"  created 
a  profound  sensation  through  the  entire  country,  and 
its  echoes  may  be  yet  heard  among  the  dwellers  in  the 
deep  forests,  by  the  lonely  lagoons  and  on  the  broad 
plantations  of  the  far  South,  who  had  borne  arms  for 
the  Confederacy. 


CORPORA!,  TANNER.  205 

"  Friends  and  countrymen,"  he  commenced,  "we 
thank  God  and  congratulate  ourselves,  as  we  assemble 
here  to-day,  that  there  is  so  much  in  our  possession  and 
so  much  in  prospect  for  us  in  common  as  citizens  of  this 
great  Republic.  And  without  regard  to  the  boundaries 
of  any  particular  State  which  we  designate  as  our  own, 
we  look  back  over  a  hundred  years  that  are  passed  and 
gone,  and  we  see  much  of  struggle,  much  of  creation, 
much  of  bitter  sectionalism,  and  all  too  much,  we  will 
all  agree,  in  the  last  quarter-century,  of  bloody  strife. 
Thank  God,  we  can  contemplate  it  as  of  the  past,  and, 
we  firmly  believe,  the  forever  past.  Standing  to-day 
upon  the  shining  uplands  of  prosperity  and  peace,  we 
sweep  the  world  with  our  gaze,  and  contemplate  with 
pride  the  fact  that  the  American  nation  stands  secure, 
its  position  unchallenged  in  the  face  of  the  civilized 
world,  the  glory  of  its  citizenship  respected  and  hon 
ored  in  the  four  quarters  of  the  earth.  But  a  peculiar 
combination  of  circumstances  encompass,  while  they  do 
not  embarrass,  me  to-day,  and  seem  to  indicate  that 
there  are  some  lines  of  thought  and  speech  to  which  my 
mind  should  fitly  turn. 

' '  Within  the  time  of  those  of  us  who  are  now  of  mid 
dle  or  elder  age,  this  country  has  been  shaken  from  cen 
ter  to  circumference  by  the 

RUDE  SHOCK  OF  BLOODY  WAR  ; 

of  war  in  its  most  horrible  form ;  a  death  struggle  be 
tween  brethren  of  the  same  household.  Here  to-day 
are  assembled  many  men  who  in  the  memorable  struggle 
of  1 86 1  to  1865,  contested  on  the  one  side  for  the  dis 
ruption,  and  on  the  other  for  the  preservation  of  the 
Union. 

' '  If  there  be  any  fitness  in  my  appearance  on  this 
platform  to-day  it  arises  from  the  fact  that  in  the  days 
of  that  struggle  I  stood  in  the  ranks  of  that  mighty 
column  of  blue.  If  there  are  any  words  to  which  my 
tongue  can  most  appropriately  turn  to  give  utterance 
to-day,  they  should  formulate  themselves  into  a  message 


206  THE   CAREER  OF 

which  I  feel  I  can  honestly,  conscientiously  and  con 
sistently  bring  from  my  comrades  of  the  North,  who  in 
the  years  of  our  strife,  in  answer  to  the  defiance  of  the 
old  time  and  never-to-be-forgotten  'rebel  yell,'  sent 
ringing  back  to  the  extent  of  our  lung  power  the  Yan 
kee  hurrah.  If  there  be  any  class  of  citizens  over  this 
whole  country  with  whose  sentiments  I  am  familiar 
above  that  of  any  other  class,  it  is 

THE  VETERANS 

of  the  Union  Armies  who,  from  1861  to  1865,  when 
health  was  in  their  faces  and  vigor  in  their  steps,  belted 
the  country  across  with  a  line  of  blue  and  beat  back  the 
mighty  hosts  of  the  South;  and  I  am  proud  of  the  fact 
that  I  can  bring  from  my  comrades  of  the  North-land  a 
sentiment  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  peace  and  pleas 
antry  and  good  feeling  which  is  such  an  adjunct  on  this 
occasion  to-day.  If  I  may  be  pardoned  a  personal 
reference,  then  permit  me  to  say  that  I  am  also  proud 
of  the  fact  the  sentiments  of  my  heart  are,  and  for  long, 
long  years  have  been,  utterly  in  accord  with  the  unifica 
tion  and  homogenity  of  the  exercises  of  this  hour. 

"Very  many  years  ago  I  stated,  have  repeated  it 
many  times  since  then,  meant  it  every  time  I  repeated 
it,  and  mean  it  to-day  no  less  than  ever,  that  if  there 
should  walk  into  my  office  the  '  Johnnie '  who  pulled 
the  lanyard  of  the  gun  which  sent  the  shell  that  crip 
pled  me  for  life,  and  I  was  satisfied  that  he  stood  with 
me  to-day  for  the  honor  of  our  common  institutions  and 
the  glory  of  our  common  flag,  this  right  hand  wrould 
reach  way  out  across  the  so-called  bloody  chasm,  and  I 
would  say:  '  Put  it  there,  Johnnie;  you  and  I  will  go 
out  and  take  dinner  together  and  talk  over  old  times.' 

"The  fact  of  the  business  is  that  when  L,ee  surren 
dered  to  Grant  at  Appomattox  no  two  classes  of  men 
were  more  nearly  together,  not  only  physically,  but 
mentally,  than  the  two  lines  of  men  who  stood  there, 
one  dressed  in  gray  and  one  in  blue.  All  true  men 
know  this,  that  no  matter  how  earnestly  you  may  fight 


CORPORAL   TANNER.  207 

a  man,  no  matter  how  utterly  you  may  condemn  the 
principles  for  which  he  contends,  when  you  find  that 
man  so  terribly  in  earnest  that  he  offers  his  life  in  be 
half  of  the  principles  for  which  he  combats,  a  respect 
grows  up  for  that  mighty  earnestness  in  spite  of  our  ut 
most  antagonism  to  the  principles  he  contends  for. 

'You  will  bear  in  mind  that  I  am  speaking  of  the 
men  who  fought,  not  of  those  who  never  fronted  the 
shock  of  war,  and  did  not  get  mad  until  all  opportunity 
to  do  battle  had  passed  away.  They  are  the  fellows 
who  yelled  themselves  into  an  advanced  stage  of  bron 
chitis  asking  'Why  don't  the  army  move?'  and  who 
no  sooner  heard  the  call  for  three  hundred  thousand 
more  than  they  at  once  came  to  a  position  of  "  rest," 
with  a  draft  list  in  one  hand  and  a  time-table  of  the 
nearest  route  to  Canada  in  the  other,  ready  to  skip 
across  the  border  if  their  names  appeared  among  those 
wrho  were  drawn  for  service. ' ' 

Speaking  of  his  duties  as  Commissioner  of  Pensions, 
Mr.  Tanner  said: 

' '  For  long  years  I  have  had  one  conscientious  con 
viction  in  my  heart  which  has  grown  with  the  years  and 
is  stronger  to-day  than  ever  before,  namely,  that  it  is 
the  bounden  duty  of  this  great  Republic  of  ours  to  see 
to  it  that  no  man  who  wore  the  blue  and  laid  it  off  in 
honor,  shall  ever  feel  the  necessity  of,  or  be  permitted, 
to  crawl  under  the  roof  of  an  almshouse  for  shelter. ' ' 

He  added: 

"Let  me  put  the  question  to  them,  and  I  will  go 
under  bond  that  the  men  who  aided  in  the  defense  of 
the  Confederacy  will  give  a  unanimous  vote  in  the 
affirmative  to  the  proposition  that,  not  only  in  common 
decency  and  the  natural  promptings  of  the  human  heart, 
but  the  best  and  highest  exposition  of  wise  political 
economy  demands  that  the  boys  who  are  growing  up  to- 


208  THE   CAREER  OF 

day  must  not  see  the  defenders  of  the  Union,  who  in 
the  past  held  life  so  cheap  and  their  country  so  dear  that 
they  freely  flung  life  as  a  willing  offering  in  its  defense, 
permitted  to  go  hungry  or  in  rags. ' ' 

Speaking  of  the  33,000  pensioners  drawing  less  than 
one  dollar  a  week,  he  remarked:  "  I  mean  to  put  these 
up  to  four  dollars  a  month,  though  I  may  wring  from 
the  hearts  of  some  the  prayer,  '  God  help  the  surplus. ' ' 

After  referring  to  the  order  he  issued  on  Memorial 
Day,  when  he  was  Department  Commander  of  New  York 
State,  in  which  he  expressed  the  hope  that  the  Comrades 
would  drop  a  wreath  on  the  graves  of  such  of  the  boys 
of  the  South  as  had  found  a  sepulchre  among  us,  he 
continued: 

' '  Later  on  there  came  to  us  the  cry  of  the  stricken  and 
the  maimed,  and  it  was  my  high  privilege,  and  my 
halting  footsteps  made  speed  tojobey  the  willing  dictates 
of  my  heart,  as  we  called  together  the  citizens  of  that 
great  City  of  Churches,  for  a  score  of  years  my  home, 
and  it  was  my  privilege  to  present  a  plea  for  the  vet 
erans  of  the  South.  We  of  the  North  had  the  coffers 
of  the  Treasury  to  draw  upon  for  our  pensions;  we  had 
honor  among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  but  I  stated  that 
the  man  who  followed  the  fortunes  of  the  Confederacy 
and  who  had  also  been  maimed,  sat  in  the  solitude  of 
his  wrecked  and  ruined  home  and  contemplated,  possi 
bly,  loss  of  limb,  and  saw  his  wife  in  rags  and  his  child 
in  hunger,  and  that  as  we  were  human  and  bowed  before 
a  common  God,  it  remained  for  us  to  see  that  in  all  the 
desolation  and  want  and  misery  that  came  to  his  hearth 
stone,  there  should  not  also  come  loss  of  faith  in 
humanity." 

Speaking  again  of  his  official  duties  as  he  saw  them, 
he  said : 


CORPORAL   TANNER.  2OQ 

• 

' '  I  am  clearly  of  the  opinion  that  I  voice  the  domi 
nant  sentiment  of  this  country  when  I  unhesitatingly 
declare  that  a  wise  policy  demands  that  in  treating  with 
those  who  have  just  claims  before  this  country  I  should 
cease  to  hunt  for  merely  technical  reasons  with  which 
to  defeat  them,  and  devote  a  little  time,  at  least,  to  help 
ing  those  claimants  who  in  the  past  did  not  hesitate  to 
help  the  country  in  its  hour  of  dire  peril.  Within  the 
limitations  of  the  law,  with  due  regard  to  my  official 
oath,  I  here  broadly  assert  that  everything  that  I  can 
do  to  assist  the  needy  and  suffering  veterans  shall  be 
done." 

After  declaring  that  it  was  the  solemn  duty  of  the 
Southern  States  to  enact  such  laws  as  would  provide 
for  the  maimed  and  disabled  ex-Confederates,  he  closed 
with  an  eloquent  and  touching  peroration,  trusting 
that,  when  the  call  shall  be  sounded  for  the  last  assem 
bly,  on  the  farther  shore,  the  Blue  and  the  Gra)'  would 
be  found  together  in  the  ranks  commanded  by  the  Prince 
of  Peace. 

On  the  1 2th  of  September,  1889,  Mr.  Tanner  for 
warded  his  resignation  to  the  President  in  a  manly, 
straight-forward  letter,  which  needs  no  explanation.  It 
was  as  follows  : 

"  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  INTERIOR, 

"  BUREAU  OF  PENSIONS, 
"WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  September  12,  1889. 
"  To  the  President  : 

' '  The  difference  which  exists  between  the  Secretary 
of  the  Interior  and  myself  as  to  policy  to  be  pursued 
in  the  administration  of  the  Pension  Bureau  has 
reached  a  stage  which  threatens  to  embarrass  you  to  an 
extent  which  I  feel  I  should  not  call  upon  you  to  suffer, 
and  as  the  investigation  into  the  affairs  of  the  Bureau 


2IO  THE   CAREER   OF 

has  been  completed  and,  I  am  assured  by  yourself  and 
the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  it  contains  no  reflection 
on  myself  whether  as  an  individual  or  an  officer,  I 
hereby  place  my  resignation  in  your  hands,  to  take 
effect  at  your  pleasure,  to  the  end  that  you  may  be 
relieved  of  any  further  embarrassment  in  the  matter. 
"  Very  respectfully  yours, 

"JAMES  TANNER, 

' '  Commissioner. ' ' 

The  President  replied  as  follows : 

"  EXECUTIVE  MANSION, 
"  WASHINGTON,  September  /j,  1889. 
"  To  the  Honorable  James  Tanner, 

Commissioner  of  Pensions: 

1  ''Dear  Sir:  Your  letter  tendering  the  offer  of  your 
resignation  of  the  office  of  Commissioner  of  Pensions 
has  been  received,  and  your  resignation  is  accepted  to 
take  effect  on  the  appointment  and  qualification  of  your 
successor. 

' '  I  do  not  think  it  necessary  in  this  correspondence  to 
discuss  the  causes  which  have  led  to  the  present  attitude 
of  affairs  in  the  Pension  Office.  You  have  been  kindly 
and  fully  advised  of  my  views  upon  most  of  these  mat 
ters. 

"It  gives  me  pleasure  to  add  that,  so  far  as  I  am 
advised,  your  honesty  has  not  at  any  time  been  called 
in  question,  and  I  beg  to  renew  the  expression  of  my 
personal  good  will. 

' '  Very  truly  yours, 

"BENJAMIN  HARRISON." 

Mr.  Tanner's  resignation,  and  the  causes  leading  to 
it,  caused  wide-spread  comment.  The  papers  from 
Maine  to  California  were  full  of  it,  and  naturally,  the 
views  expressed  varied  greatly,  according  to  the  senti 
ments,  feelings  and  prejudices  of  the  writers. 


CORPORAL  TANNKR.  211 

Among  the  prominent  men  interviewed  upon  the  sub 
ject  was  General  B.  F.  Butler,  who,  not  to  be  misunder 
stood,  wrote  out  in  his  own  incisive  style,  his  opinion 
on  the  merits  of  the  case  as  follows  : 

*  *  *  "The  Commissioners,  as  a  rule,  have 
looked  upon  a  pension  as  something  in  the  nature  of  a 
bounty,  which  was  to  be  given  to  the  soldier  as  a  gra 
tuity;  that  it  was  a  charge  on  the  Government,  and  that, 
like  every  other  charge  against  the  Government,  a  man, 
to  get  it,  must  do  everything  he  is  called  upon  to  do,  to 
prove  every  fact  that  he  is  called  upon  to  prove  beyond 
doubt,  and  make  such  proof  of  the  case  as  would  be  a 
necessity  in  a  court  of  justice.  It  was,  therefore,  the 
rule  that  he  must  take  two  comrades  to  swear  to  his 
original  disability,  or  one  commissioned  officer  to  certify 
to  this  disability.  Why  that  rule  ?  There  is  nothing 
in  the  law  about  it,  but  it  has  been  the  rule  of  the  Of 
fice. 

"  Everything  else  in  the  world,  except  how  a  soldier 
became  injured,  could  be  proved  by  the  oath  of  one 
good  man,  the  crime  of  perjury  could  be  established  by 
the  oath  of  one  good  man,  but  the  rule  of  the  Pension 
Office  was  that  it  must  take  the  oath  of  two  of  his  com 
rades,  and  the  effect  was,  if  a  man  could  not  find  two 
of  his  comrades,  or  one  commissioned  officer,  to  prove 
how  he  got  hurt  and  where,  and  whether  he  was  in  line 
of  duty-,  he  was  deprived  of  his  pension.  The  distinc 
tion  between  officers  and  men  in  regard  to  truth  telling 
I  do  not  believe  ought  to  exist.  Again,  the  feeling  has 
been  created  t'  at  everything  that  was  gotten  out  of  the 
Treasury  was  so  much  taken  from  the  people  of  the 
United  States,  and  that  everything  should  be  done  to 
prevent  its  being  gotten  out.  Every  doubt  was  against 
the  pension,  never  the  benefit  of  a  doubt  given  the 
soldier.  The  Pension  Office  was  administered  according 
to  a  rule  of  Hoyle — 'When  in  doubt,  take  the  trick.' 
"  One  of  the  most  benificent  as  well  as  the  most  just 


212  THE;  CAREER  OF 

acts  of  Commissioner  Tanner  is  that  he  has  abolished 
that  rule  that  it  takes  two  volunteers  to  prove  a  com 
rade's  disability  and  only  one  commissioned  officer. 
[It  was  so  regarded  by  just  men  all  over  the  United 
States,  and  cases  which,  for  lack  of  that  second  com 
rade's  testimony,  when  it  was  impossible  to  get  it,  but 
which  contained  the  affidavit  of  one  good  and  true  man, 
cases  which  had  lain  from  fifteen  to  twenty  years  in 
the  archives  of  the  Pension  Office,  and  the  applicant 
suffering  through  the  years  for  the  necessities  of  life, 
were  taken  out  of  their  dusty  receptacles  and  acted 
upon,  some  completed,  others  were  being  pushed  to  that 
end.  Two  weeks  after  Mr.  Tanner's  retirement  from 
office  the  order  was  revoked  and  all  those  cases  ordered 
back  to  their  long  resting  place. — J.  E.  S.]  His  critics 
say  he  has  no  discrimination.  Well,  he  had  discrimi 
nation  enough  to  know  that  his  own  certificate  to  a 
comrade's  wounds  ought  to  weigh  as  much  as  that  of 
anyone  else,  yet  by  that  rule  he  would  have  to  get  some 
body  else,  also,  to  certify,  to  give  a  pension  to  a  man 
he  saw  shot  down  by  his  side.  He  did  not  mean  to  serve 
under  any  such  disability  as  that,  and  I  am  sure  every 
right-feeling  man  will  say  amen. 

"Again  he  believes  that  in  a  case  proven  beyond 
a  reasonable  doubt,  the  pension  should  be  granted.  To 
illustrate  what  I  mean — the  rules  of  the  Office  on  the 
subject  of  marriage,  when  I  had  to  do  with  them,  were 
against  the  law,  and  different  from  every  State  in  the 
Union.  By  the  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court,  the 
fact  that  a  man  and  woman  live  together  in  a  form  of 
marriage  and  are  so  known  and  reputed,  is  a  proof  that 
they  are  man  and  wife,  unless  something  is  shown  to 
the  contrary.  All  States  have  a  law  that  m  case  of  a 
divorce  either  to  be  obtained  or  to  be  resisted,  cohabita 
tion  as  man  and  wife  is  sufficient  evidence  of  marriage. 
But  the  rule  of  the  Pension  Office  has  been  that  a  sol 
dier's  widow  must  produce  the  certificate  of  some  one 
who  married  them,  or  produce  the  record  of  her  mar- 


CORPORAL  TANNKR.  21 3 

riage  and  the  evidence  of  her  identity  with  the  person 
who  was  married,  or  a  witness  who  was  present  at  the 
marriage — no  matter  how  long  she  may  have  lived  with 
her  husband  or  how  many  children  she  may  have  borne 
him,  who  have  grown  up  to  be  held  in  honor  as  sons  of 
veterans — before  she  can  get  a  pension,  in  case  her  hus 
band  dies,  and  her  husband's  certificate  to  the  fact  of 
their  marriage,  or  his  will  in  favor  of  his  wife  were  not 
evidence  in  the  Pension  Office.  Thousands  and  thou 
sands  of  soldiers'  widows  have  been  denied  a  pension 
on  these  technical  rules,  that  are  not  in  use  or  required 
in  any  court  of  justice  on  a  trial  of  marriage. 

1 '  For  what  reason  ?  Why,  that  there  are  bad  women 
who  pretend  to  be  married  when  they  are  not.  Would 
/  pay  such  women  pensions  if  they  were  not  married  ? 
No,  not  if  I  knew  it,  not  if  it  were  so  shown  to  me. 
But  I  would  act  in  regard  to  them  under  the  pension 
laws  as  everybody  acts  under  every  other  law,  and  if  I 
made  a  mistake,  I  should  rather  it  be  in  favor  of  the 
woman.  If  she  has  taken  care  of,  and  rendered  com 
fortable,  the  soldier  in  his  sickness  and  old  age,  and 
tended  his  grave,  I  should  not  be  so  very  much  troubled 
as  to  whether  there  was  a  ceremony  prior  to  that  or  not, 
if  she  acted  as  his  wife.  Oh,  but  I  would  deplete  the 
Treasury,  would  I  ?  Well,  I  would  not  have  any 
trouble  on  that  account,  I  would  a  great  deal  rather 
deplete  the  Treasury  that  way,  than  by  putting  it  into 
Englishmen's  pockets  by  a  free- trade  tariff.  To  get 
the  surplus  out  of  the  Treasury,  we  are  buying  up 
bonds  and  making  a  little  profit  out  of  the  speculation, 
so  as  to  get  the  money  into  circulation,  and  to  keep  it 
from  being  locked  up  in  the  Treasury.  Is  there  any 
better  way  on  earth  to  distribute  the  money  gotten  out 
of  the  Treasury,  than  to  give  it  to  poof  pensioners,  who 
pay  it  out  at  once  to  '  the  butcher,  the  baker  and  can 
dlestick  maker, '  and  everybody  else,  before  it  gets  into 
a  bank,  or  into  an  accumulation  of  money  ? 

"Whereas,  when  they  buy  bonds  it  goes  directly  into 


214  THE   CARKER   OF 

the  hands  of  the  capitalist,  and  enables  him  to  foster 
great  trusts,  which  make  provisions  dearer,  and  puts  a 
tax  upon  the  necessities  of  life.  No  such  thing  happens 
when  the  money  is  paid  the  pensioner. 

' '  Mr.  Tanner  has  not  gone  so  far  as  I  would  have 
gone  in  his  place,  is  all  I  can  say.  The  only  difference, 
otherwise,  between  us  would  have  been,  that  I,  being 
an  old  politician  and  used  to  being  vilified,  and  being 
reasonably  strong  in  body,  with  my  legs  to  walk  upon, 
would  not  have  been  rendered  a  little  peevish  by  my  pain, 
and  should  have  heard  all  my  opponents  had  to  say, 
without  caring  a  copper,  and  without  reply.  The  soldier, 
wounded  and  suffering,  stung  to  death  by  the  spiders 
and  gnats  and  mosquitoes  of  the  Press,  did  reply,  and 
that  is  brought  up  against  him.  They  say  it  was  not 
in  good  taste.  I  never  heard  he  did  not  fight  in  good 
taste  when  he  shot  the  enemies  of  his  country.  It  is 
nothing  to  me,  whether  his  rifle  was  clean  or  dirty  in 
the  Rebellion,  and  it  is  just  as  little  to  me  now,  when 
he  shoots  at  the  enemies  of  his  country  in  peace, 
whether  his  words  are  exactly  as  rhetorical  as  they 
would  have  been  had  he  in  1861  gone  to  college  instead 
of  to  battle.  I  think  he  made  the  better  Commissioner 
that  he  went  to  battle  instead  of  to  college. 

"Well,  of  what  do  they  accuse  him?  Does  any 
body  say  he  has  given  the  money  of  the  Government 
to  any  body  who  was  not  a  soldier  in  the  War  of  the 
Rebellion  ?  Why,  it  is  said  he  has  given  pensions 
to  soldiers  who  had  not  an  honorable  discharge.  But 
that  was  not  his  ruling;  that  was  the  ruling  of  the 
Assistant  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and  I  am  quite  sure 
he  is  not  right.  The  country  promised  everybody  a 
pension  who  went  to  the  war,  was  injured  and  had  an 
honorable  discharge.  If  he  deserted,  and  so  did  not 
get  an  honorable  discharge,  the  penalty  by  law  for  that 
was  death,  if  the  Government  chose  to  enforce  it.  But 
you  will  search  in  vain  for  loss  of  pension  on  that  ac 
count.  But  what  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  the  In 
terior  decided  regarding  this  is  of  very  little  account 


CORPORAt  TANNER.  215 

so  far  as  Mr.  Tanner  is  concerned.     He  only  followed 
the  decision  of  his  superior. 

#  *  *  "To  the  honor  of  the  Confederates  be  it 
spoken  that  no  complaint  of  Mr.  Tanner's  course  comes 
up  from  the  South.  There  may  be  now  and  then  some 
Yankee  who  has  wandered  down  there,  and  got  some 
newspaper  to  say  something  about  it,  but  from  the 
Confederate  soldier  nothing  is  said.  In  the  political 
organizations  of  the  South — Southern  men — nothing  is 
said.  It  is  only  the  worst  enemies  that  the  country 
had  in  its  struggles  for  its  life — the  Copperheads  of  the 
North — that  are  against  the  Grand  Army,  and  against 
Corporal  Tanner. 

'  The  mower  mows  on,  though  the  adder  may  writhe 
And  the  copperhead  curl  round  the  blade  of  the  scythe.' 

' '  About  re-rating,  those  cases  re-rated  by  Corporal 
Tanner.  A  law  was  passed  that  they  should  be  re-rated, 
not  long  before  the  late  Commissioner  Black  went  out 
of  office.  That  law  was  executed  by  him  faithfully*, 
fully,  and  generously,  and  I  never  heard  of  any  body 
that  complained  about  the  manner  in  which  it  w7as  ex 
ecuted.  And  it  will  turn  out,  I  have  no  doubt,  that 
after  the  law  was  passed,  in  the  latter  part  of  General 
Black's  administration,  he  re-rated  and  raised  more 
pensions,  and  raised  them  higher  than  Corporal  Tanner 
has  done.  At  any  rate,  let  any  commission  of  investi 
gation  take  that  into  account. 

"  Does  anybody  complain  that  Mr.  Tanner  has  done 
anything  more  than  his  duty,  done  it  diligently,  has 
been  restless  in  the  good  work  ?  He  ought  indeed  to 
be  commended  for  doing  justice  according  to  the  laws  that 
Congress  has  passed  to  his  poor,  bleeding,  dying  com 
rades.  Let  any  soldier  cast  the  first  stone  and  then  a 
mugwump  may  follow  with  a  bad  egg." 

Among  the  numerous  public  expressions  of  sympathy 
tendered  to  Mr.  Tanner  on  this  occasion  probably  none 
affected  him  more  than  the  resolution  unanimously 
adopted  by  the  Genesee  Methodist  Conference  Veteran 


2l6  THE   CAREER   OF   CORPORAL  TANNER. 

Association  at  Lockport,  N.  Y.  This  Association  is 
composed  of  ministers  who  saw  active  service  at  the 
front  during  the  war,  and  the  resolution,  adopted  with 
out  a  dissenting  voice  was  as  follows: 

"  Resolved,  That  we  have  heard  with  sincere  regret  of 
the  resignation  as  Commissioner  of  Pensions  of  Corporal 
James  Tanner,  forced  from  him  by  the  influence  of  politi 
cians,  and  that  we  deprecate  the  subordination  of  the 
pension  department  to  political  wirepullers  so  that  it  can 
not  be  administered  by  a  man  who,  like  Corporal  Tan 
ner,  has  the  true  interests  of  the  soldiers  at  heart;  and  we 
call  upon  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  place  the 
granting  of  pensions  in  the  hands  of  those  who  will  ad 
minister  it  in  the  interests  of  those  who  fought,  bled 
and  suffered  for  their  country,  and  to  bestow  upon  Cor 
poral  Tanner  recognition  as  befits  the  man  who,  in  every 
position,  has  shown  himself  the  true  friend  of  the  sol 
dier." 

After  his  retirement  from  the  Pension  Bureau,  Mr. 
Tanner  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession  in 
Washington  and  has  built  up  an  excellent  business. 

He  still  resides  in  picturesque  old  Georgetown,  and 
has  a  most  delightful  home,  presided  over  by  his  accom 
plished  wife,  a  lady  thoroughly  fitted  to  be  his  helper 
and  inspiration,  and  brightened  by  two  charming  young 
daughters,  and  a  pair  of  sturdy  sons. 

Corporal  Tanner  is  in  the  prime  of  his  manhood, 
vigorous,  alert  and  ambitious,  and  it  needs  no  prophet 
to  predict  that  he  will  yet  be  prominent  in  the  councils 
of  the  Nation.  He  is  a  man  with  a  future  as  well  as  a 
glorious  past,  and  his  career,  here  imperfectly  sketched, 
is  not  closed.  "All  things  come  to  him  who  waits, " 
and  when  the  opportunity  arrives  the  man  will  be  found 
ready.  JAMES  K.  SMITH. 


EARLY  DAYS  IN  THE 
BLACK  HILLS  . 


explorations  of  Professor  Jenny  and  General 
Custer  during  the  years  1874  and  1875  in  that  wild  up 
heaval  of  the  earth's  surface  known  as  the  Black  Hills 
of  Dakota,  resulted  in  their  purchase  by  the  Government. 
L,ong  before  the  completion  of  the  treaty,  however, 
by  which  this  tract  was  acquired  from  its  aboriginal  in 
habitants,  organized  bands  of  "prospectors"  were  on 
hand,  hovering  along  the  borderland,  much  as  in  later 
years  attended  the  opening  up  of  Oklahoma.  But  the 
Black  Hills  had  been  for  ages  the  hunting  ground  of 
numerous  bands  of  restless,  untamable  savages,  who 
recognized  no  right  in  the  Sioux  chiefs  to  transfer  these 
lands,  and  they  openly  declared  that  they  would  lift  the 
scalp  of  every  white  man  they  caught  in  their  domain. 
This  was  not  a  pleasant  outlook  for  the  gold-hunters, 
but,  while  mostly  unskilled  in  Indian  warfare,  they  were 
as  a  rule  bold,  reckless  men,  not  unused  to  taking  des- 

217 


2l8  EARLY   DAYS   IN   THE   BLACK   HILLS. 

perate  chances,  so  when  the  military  let  down  the  bars 
a  great  horde  rushed  in,  the  most  of  whom  succeeded  in 
reaching  Custer  City.  This  was  a  post  established  by 
General  Custer,  and  consisted  of  log  barracks  and,  some 
distance  down  the  valley  of  French  Creek,  a  stockade 
erected .  by  Professor  Jenny.  The  first  comers  put  up 
tents  and  rough  log  shanties,  and  so  the  infant  city  was 
started.  The  roving  Indians  promptly  opened  hostil 
ities  by  blockading  the  only  two  roads  leading  into  the 
Hills  from  the  south,  one  through  the  Red  Canon,  the 
other  by  way  of  Buffalo  Gap.  Red  Canon  became  a 
veritable  valley  of  death.  Train  after  train  was  cap 
tured,  the  freighters  slaughtered  and  their  goods  carried 
away  or  burned.  As  the  young  city  and  the  adjacent 
mining  camps  depended  on  these  trains  for  supplies,  the 
situation  was  rapidly  becoming  desperate.  Outside, 
grim  death  awaited  all  stragglers,  while  in  the  city  the 
prospect  of  starvation  was  disagreeably  imminent. 

We  had  the  usual  supply  of  alleged  desperadoes  with 
us  in  that  trying  time — "  Red-handed  Mike  "  and  "Ara- 
pahoejoe"  and  numerous  others  with  blood-curdling 
nick-names,  who  adorned  the  saloons,  and  with  huge 
revolvers  strapped  to  their  hips,  made  the  air  blue  with 
details  of  the  sanguinary  deeds  they  had  done  and 
could  do,  but  not  one  of  them  volunteered  to  go  out  on 
the  trail  or  venture  their  worthless  carcasses  beyond 
the  danger  line  for  the  protection  of  the  trains.  In  this 
desperate  strait  a  meeting  was  called  in  Custer  to  con 
sider  what  was  best  to  do.  Among  those  present  was  a 
quiet,  unassuming  young  man  who  had  seen  service  in 
the  Civil  War,  and  enjoyed  the  unique  distinction,  in 
that  part  of  the  country,  of  having  never  tasted  liquor 


J.    W.    CRAWFORD 


EARLY   DAYS   IN   THE   BLACK   HILLS.  2 19 

in  his  life,  nor  gambled,  nor  was  he  given  to  profane 
relations  of  his  own  wonderful  exploits;  yet  he  was 
pretty  well  known  as  a  man  of  iron  nerve,  sound  judg 
ment,  and  a  courage  that  no  danger  could  appall.  About 
the  only  concession  he  made  to  the  established  customs 
of  the  plains  was  in  allowing  his  abundant  brown  hair  to 
float  down  his  shoulders  in  silky  waves,  and  in  wearing 
a  great,  wide-brimmed,  felt  hat.  His  handsome  features 
and  soft  blue  eyes,  with  a  dreamy  cast  of  countenance, 
rendered  him  a  remarkable  man  in  any  gathering.  His 
gentle,  courteous  manners,  however,  were  never  mis 
understood  by  the  desperate  characters  so  plentiful  on 
the  border.  They  treated  him  with  the  respect  that  his 
record  warranted.  This  was  Capt.  Jack  Crawford,  who 
later  on  commanded  Crook's  scouts. 

With  rather  unexpected  good  judgment  the  meeting 
decided  to  appeal  to  Captain  Jack,  whose  headquarters 
were  then  in  Custer  City,  to  take  charge  of  the  situation, 
with  full  powers.  He  accepted  the  responsibility,  and 
an  immediate  change  for  the  better  became  apparent. 
He  and  his  band  of  trained  scouts  soon  taught  the  fierce 
Arabs  of  the  plains  to  keep  out  of  their  reach,  and  so 
vigilantly  did  they  guard  the  trails  that  an  unwonted 
sense  of  security  pervaded  the  city  and  surrounding 
camps.  The  trains  came  through  with  reasonable  regu 
larity,  and  provisions  became  plentiful.  Rifles  and 
revolvers  were  no  longer  considered  necessary  bed-fel 
lows,  and  I  can  recall  with  what  a  comfortable  feeling 
of  security  I  wrould  lie  down  in  my  bunk  at  night  when 
I  knew  that  Jack  and  his  faithful  troop  were  out  on  the. 
road  between  us  and  the  savages. 

But  this  peaceful  state  of  affairs  did  n't  last  a  great 


220  EARLY   DAYS   IN   THE   BLACK    HILLS. 

while.  General  Crook's  column  came  along  and  ab 
sorbed  Captain  Crawford  and  his  gallant  scouts.  With 
their  disappearance  on  that  long  campaign  our  troubles 
recommenced. 

Our  wily  foes  resumed  their  bloody  work,  and  just  be 
yond  Custer  City  there  seemed  to  be  an  invisible  dead 
line  —  whoever  crossed  it  never  returned.  His  bones 
alone  were  afterwards  found  on  the  arid  desert. 

The  passage  of  the  Red  Canon  again  became  so 
fraught  with  peril  that  few  were  bold  enough  to  attempt 
it.  I  recall  the  horror  that  thrilled  us  when  we  heard 
of  the  massacre  of  the  Metz  party  of  seven  determined 
men  who  had  made  the  venture.  Not  one  lived  to  get 
through. 

There  was  an  irregular  line  of  stages  running  between 
Cheyenne  and  the  Hills.  That  is  a  coach,  so  called, 
would  make  the  passage  when  it  was  considered  safe  to 
do  vSo.  After  Captain  Jack's  departure  the  stages  ceased 
their  trips  until  one  night  a  bold  driver  known  as 
"Stuttering  Brown  ' '  determined  to  try  and  get  through. 
He  carried  no  passengers.  He  had  not  gone  many  miles 
before  he  was  attacked  by  the  watchful  savages,  and 
lashing  his  animals  to  the  top  of  their  speed  he  kept  up 
a  running  fight  until,  becoming  desperately  wounded, 
he  mounted  one  of  the  mules,  cut  him  loose  from  the 
stage  and  so  escaped  into  Fort  Laramie,  where  he  died. 

On  the  road  which  enters  the  Hills  through  Buffalo 
Gap  matters  were  equally  as  bad.  Incoming  trains 
were  corralled  and  attacked,  the  animals  stampeded  and 
supplies  destroyed.  The  few  that  did  reach  us  left 
many  of  their  companions  on  the  plains.  Certain  death 
awaited  those  who  ventured  beyond  the  foot-hills.  A 


EARLY    DAYS    IN   THE    BLACK    HILLS.  221 

number  of  so-called  ' '  scouts  ' '  were  engaged  to  replace 
Captain  Crawford's  band,  but  their  sendees  were  of 
slight  account. 

A  few  incidents  will  serve  to  show  the  perilous  char 
acter  of  the  surroundings  of  the  mining  towns  in  the 
Hills.  One  Sunday  early  in  June,  1876,  a  Rev.  Dr. 
Smith  preached  a  sermon  to  an  attentive  crowd  on  the 
only  street  in  Deadwood.  After  concluding  hie  dis 
course  he  started  on  foot  and  alone  for  Crook  City,  eight 
miles  east,  where  he  had  promised  to  hold  services.  It 
was,  of  course,  a  rash  undertaking,  but  he  was  a  reso 
lute,  fearless  man,  and  could  not  be  persuaded  to  wait 
until  a  party  would  go  over.  He  was  killed  and  scalped 
within  two  miles  of  the  spot  where  he  had  delivered  his 
last  sermon.  When  the  news  reached  Deadwood  a 
force  was  organized  to  go  out  and  bring  in  his  body, 
which  they  did,  but  at  the  cost  of  three  more  lives  be 
fore  sunset.  The  bodies  were  all  brought  in  and  buried 
in  a  newly-opened  cemetery,  since  made  famous  by  Capt. 
Jack  Crawford  in  a  poem  dedicated  to  ' '  Wild  Bill. ' ' 

One  of  the  brave  dead  was  Charley  Holland,  who  had 
come  out  in  our  train.  He  was  an  Odd  Fellow,  and 
about  seventy  brothers  of  the  Order,  including  this 
writer,  were  gathered  together  and  followed  his  remains 
to  their  last  resting  place  across  the  creek  of  Deadwood. 
Under  the  shadow  of  a  tall  cypress  we  laid  him  away, 
while  Judge  Kuykendall,  of  Cheyenne,  read  the  burial 
service  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F. 

While  this  ceremony  was  going  on,  a  second  party 
was  performing  the  last  sad  rites  for  another  of  the  vic 
tims,  Ike  Brown,  who,  although  a  professional  gambler, 
had  many  manly  qualities  and  an  unflinching  courage 


EARLY   DAYS   IN   THE   BLACK   HILLS. 

that  extorted  universal  admiration.  He  died,  at  the 
least,  in  a  good  cause. 

Meanwhile  things  were  rapidly  going  from  bad  to 
worse,  and  finally  the  miners  of  Deadwood  and  vicinity 
took  the  bull  by  the  horns  as  it  were,  and  offered  a 
reward  of  $300  for  every  Indian  head  brought  in.  The 
first  (and  the  only  one,  I  believe)  that  was  presented 
created  the  wildest  excitement  in  the  camp.  Business 
was  suspended,  the  head  elevated  on  a  pole  and  carried 
up  and  down  the  gulch,  followed  by  a  frantic  crowd, 
yelling  like  lunatics. 

The  man  who  had  brought  in  the  cause  of  all  this 
commotion  was  the  hero  of  the  hour;  nothing  was  too 
good  for  him.  He  owned  the  town.  But  he  bore  his 
blushing  honors  meekly,  and  modestly  declined  to  talk 
much  of  his  daring  achievement. 

The  next  morning,  however,  produced  a  startling 
change  in  the  situation,  at  least  for  one  man,  in  the 
shape  of  another  "Richmond"  in  quest  of  a  head  that 
had  been  separated  from  the  body  of  an  Indian  killed 
by  him  the  day  before  while  he  was  in  pursuit  of  a 
small  band  that  had  stolen  some  horses  from  him.  He 
did  not  stop  until  he  had  recovered  his  animals  some 
distance  below  Crook  City.  When  he  returned  to  his 
4 '  good  Indian ' '  he  found  the  head  missing.  The  wrath 
of  the  rancher  may  be  imagined.  He  swore  a  mighty 
oath  to  slay  the  man  who  had  played  him  such  a  scurvy 
trick.  He  soon  got  on  his  trail  and  tracked  him  to 
Deadwood.  The  meeting  between  them  was  sharp  and 
decisive,  and  ended  in  the  hero  of  the  celebration  of  the 
day  before  biting  the  dust.  Nothing  was  ever  done  to 
the  ranchman,  for  the  Deadwood  of  that  period,  rough 
as  it  was,  had  no  use  for  a  thief. 


EARI<Y   DAYS   IN   THE   BI^ACK   HIU^S.  223 

Early  in  June,  I  decided  to  leave  Deadwood  for  civ 
ilization.  On  arriving  at  Custer  City  I  had  to  wait  sev 
eral  days  until  a  train  was  made  up  for  the  trip  to 
Cheyenne,  as  the  chances  of  one  man,  or  even  two  or 
three,  reaching  it  were  of  the  slimmest  kind.  A  party 
of  twenty-one  men  and  ten  wagons  finally  got  ready, 
elected  a  Captain,  one  Glynn,  to  whom  was  delegated 
absolute  authority  over  the  outfit,  and,  by  a  majority 
vote,  the  route  through  Red  Canon  was  selected. 

About  this  time,  as  we  afterwards  learned,  the 
deserters  from  the  Red  Cloud  and  Spotted  Tail  Agen 
cies  were  moving  north  to  join  Sitting  Bull.  Their 
trail  crossed  ours  between  the  mouth  of  Red  Canon  and 
"Down  Indian"  Creek. 

The  first  station  after  leaving  the  Red  Canon  is 
"Cheyenne  River  Ranch,"  and  from  there  it  is  thirty- 
three  miles  to  ' '  Down  Indian ' '  Creek,  the  next  station 
where  wood  and  water  was  to  be  had.  This  is  called 
' '  the  long  drive. ' ' 

On  this  part  of  the  route  we  found  abundant  evidence 
that  a  large  force  of  braves  had  very  recently  passed  to 
the  north.  We  saw  numerous  ponies  and  troops  of  for 
lorn  looking  dogs  straggling  along,  evidently  in  the 
wake  of  the  advancing  column.  Our  party  captured  a 
number  of  the  ponies,  that  were  secured  by  the  men 
without  going  too  far  away  from  the  train,  for  Indian 
"signs"  were  becoming  alarmingly  thick.  We  pro 
ceeded  cautiously  until  about  noon  when  we  were 
halted  by  a  fusilade  from  the  crest  of  a  bluff,  which 
concealed  the  enemy  from  our  view.  The  train  was 
corralled  and  preparations  made  for  defence. 

After  standing  around  for  about  an  hour  and  hearing 


224  EARLY   DAYS   IN   THE   BLACK   HILLS. 

nothing  further  from  the  enemy,  I  became  impatient 
and  asked  the  Captain  what  he  intended  doing.  ' '  Oh, 
we  must  wait  for  developments,"  was  his  reply. 

Now  my  knowledge  of  Indian  fighting  was  very 
limited,  but  it  seemed  to  me  that  if  the  savages  were 
strong  enough  to  attack  us  they  would  have,  done  so 
before  this,  and  I  so  stated  to  the  Captain,  adding  that 
if  he  would  give  me  ten  men,  half  the  force,  I  would 
deploy  them  as  skirmishers  and  find  out  the  exact  situ 
ation  of  affairs.  He  flatly  refused. 

Meantime  the  firing  from  the  bluff  had  re-commenced 
and  stray  bullets  were  dropping  unpleasantly  near, 
liable  to  do  damage  any  minute,  while  twenty  armed 
men  were  hugging  the  ground  inside  the  corral. 

I  tried  to  convince  the  party  of  the  danger  of  remain 
ing  inactive,  thus  giving  the  Indians  time  to  collect  a 
force  large  enough  .to  overwhelm  us,  but  all  to  no  pur 
pose. 

Becoming  thoroughly  exasperated,  I  leaped  on  my 
horse  and  dashed  straight  for  the  bluffs,  where  I  had 
just  seen  two  heads  cautiously  raised  to  take  observa 
tions.  As  I  neared  the  hills  I  noticed  a  gap,  caused  by 
a  dry  creek  or  ravine,  on  the  left,  and  making  for  it  at 
a  run,  I  flanked  the  bluff  and  was  rewarded  by  seeing 
two  braves  in  hasty  retreat !  This,  of  course,  increased 
my  courage,  and  dashing  across  the  sandy  bed  of  the 
creek  I  fired  two  or  three  shots  in  quick  succession  after 
the  flying  foe.  Just  then  my  horse  stumbled  and  threw 
me  over  his  head.  I  had  a  pretty  hard  fall,  but  recovered 
myself  and  started  back,  leading  the  horse.  I  expected 
that  at  least  a  few  of  my  brave  companions  would  have 
come  to  my  assistance,  but  not  one  of  them  had  moved 


EARLY    DAYS    IN   THE   BLACK    HILLS.  225 

from  the  safe  covert  of  the  corral.  I  was  sore  from  the 
fall,  and  deeply  chagrined  by  the  womanish  timidity  of 
the  men  I  was  traveling  with  through  this  dangerous 
country,  and  when  I  got  back  to  them  I  expressed  my 
views  of  their  conduct  in  no  measured  terms.  They 
took  the  rating  meekly  enough,  and  the  Captain,  feeling 
that  he  was  out  of  his  element,  resigned  his  charge.  I 
was  immediately  elected  to  the  vacancy,  but  promptly 
declined  the  honor.  I  curtly  informed  the  gang  that  I 
had  no  doubt  of  my  ability  to  reach  Cheyenne,  but 
doubted  very  much  whether  they  would  ever  see  it. 

The  next  night  we  camped  at  Hat  Creek,  where  we 
met  a  detachment  of  soldiers  who  had  been  sent  out  to 
help  the  ranchers,  whose  property  had  been  destroyed 
by  the  Indians  on  their  march  to  the  little  Big  Horn. 
A  sutler,  who  was  with  the  troops,  had  a  generous  sup 
ply  of  whiskey,  and  the  members  of  our  train  clubbed 
together  and  purchased  some  twenty  half-pint  flasks, 
which  were  solemnly  tendered  to  me  as  a  peace-offering  ! 
I  declined  the  testimonial,  and  as  we  reached  L,aramie 
soon  after,  I  there  left  the  outfit  and  rode  into  Cheyenne, 
ninety-three  miles,  alone. 

Several  days  later,  while  seated  in  a  barber's  chair 
enjoying  a  civilized  shave,  I  was  treated  to  a  thrilling 
tale  of  the  wild  adventures  of  a  small  party  that  had 
just  come  in  from  the  Black  Hills.  The  individual  who 
was  giving  his  experience  of  the  desperate  fight  his  train 
had  had — how  they  were  compelled  to  entrench  on  the 
prairie;  how  a  mere  handful  of  brave  men  had,  after  a 
long  and  bloody  struggle,  beat  off  a  vastly  superior 
body  of  Indians — was  behind  me  and  I  could  not  see 
his  face.  When  the  barber  had  completed  his  job  I 


226  EARLY   DAYS   IN   THE   BLACK    HILLS. 

turned  to  ask  this  gallant  hero  where  he  and  his  party 
had  been  rounded  up,  and  was  struck  speechless  at  be 
holding  one  of  our  own  party,  a  freighter  named  Harris, 
who  had  never  showed  his  nose  outside  the  corral  while 
the  two  Indians  remained  on  the  bluffs. 

When  he  saw  me  he  collapsed  at  once,  but  recovering 
himself  he  declared  to  the  crowd  that  I  had  saved  the 
train  by  my  personal  prowess.  I  was  pretty  wrathy, 
and  nipped  the  blood-curdling  story  in  the  bud  by  re 
lating  the  actual  facts  of  the  case,  which  were  tame 
enough.  When  I  had  got  through  the  freighter  had 
disappeared  and  I  saw  no  more  of  him  or  his  com 
panions. 

I  may  be  pardoned  for  relating  here  a  few  little  in 
cidents  connected  with  Captain  Crawford. 

When  General  Crook  and  his  famished  army  reached 
Deadwood  on  their  return,  they  had  been  subsisting  on 
horse-flesh  for  many  days  prior  to  their  arrival.  Cap 
tain  Jack  had  promised  the  correspondent  of  the  New 
York  Herald  to  deliver  his  dispatches  at  the  nearest 
telegraph  office  in  advance  of  his  competitors,  and  so 
hurried  on  ahead  of  the  army  at  his  utmost  speed.  He 
came  into  Deadwood  in  advance  of  the  column — to 
arrange  for  his  eighty-mile  ride  to  Custer  and  thence  to 
L,aramie.  He  was,  needless  to  say,  very  hungry,  and 
carried  with  him  his  share  of  the  last  army  rations 
issued—  a  hind  leg  of  a  colt !  Entering  the  "I.  X.  L. " 
hotel  he  slapped  his  meat  on  the  counter  and  requested 
the  man  in  charge  to  have  a  steak  cooked  from  that, 
quick. 

Jack  had  just  come  off  a  long  and  fatiguing  cam 
paign,  part  of  the  time  hunting  Indians,  and  a  consid- 


EARLY   DAYS   IN   THE   BI<ACK    HIU^S.  22y 

erable  portion  of  it  being  hunted  by  them.  He  was 
weary  and  haggard,  his  hair  unkempt  and  face  covered 
with  a  beard  an  inch  long,  and  although  no  man  was 
better  known  in  Deadwood  and  the  mining  camps 
around  it,  it  was  not  strange  that  the  barkeeper  failed 
to  recognize  the  pleasant-mannered  pioneer  scout  of  the 
Black  Hills  in  the  wild  looking  individual  who  wanted 
a  steak  prepared  from  the  leg  of  a  colt. 

Keeping  an  eye  on  his  suspicious  customer,  he  backed 
off  towards  the  kitchen,  separated  fronvthe  bar  and 
dining  room  by  a  screen  door.  Through  this  he  plunged 
rather  precipitately,  almost  upsetting  the  proprietor, 
Jimmy  Van  Danniker,  who  was  coming  in  from  the 
kitchen. 

"  What  the  devil  ails  you  ?  "  he  shouted. 

"  There  's  a  wild  man  at  the  counter  who  wants  a 
horse  cooked  ! ' '  gasped  the  barkeeper. 

Van  Danniker  cautiously  reconnoitered  the  situation, 
and,  slipping  behind  the  bar,  secured  his  revolver  and 
then  sternly  demanded  of  the  uncouth  object  before 
him  an  explanation.  Jack,  who  had  laid  his  weary 
head  on  his  folded  arms  was  half  asleep,  but  at  the  sum 
mons  raised  up  and  looked  his  old  friend  full  in  the 
face,  but  could  discern  no  answering  glance  of  recogni 
tion  in  the  angry  eyes  that  glared  threateningly  at  him. 
Van  was  known  to  be,  in  the  Hills  vernacular,  ' '  a  bad 
man  with  a  gun,"  and  unpleasantly  quick  sometimes  to 
resent  any  "fooling,"  to  use  another  expressive  term, 
so  Crawford  just  quietly  said,  "Jim,  don't  you  know 
me?" 

The  musical  voice  was  about  all  that  was  left  of 
Jack,  seemingly,  but  it  was  enough.  Down  went  the 


228  EARLY    DAYS    IN   THK    BLACK    HILLS. 


revolver,  out  of  the  front  door  the  leg  of  the  colt,  and  Cap 
tain  Jack  soon  sat  down  to  a  repast  that  included  the 
best  of  everything  in  the  Deadwood  market. 

After  filling  up  to  the  limit,  and  a  short  rest,  he  pulled 
out  for  Custer  City,  urging  his  wiry  little  broncho  to  its 
utmost  speed.  Upon  his  arrival,  just  before  dark,  the 
horse  was  so  utterly  worn  out  that  he  found  himself 
compelled  to  lay  over  and  give  it  a  chance  to  recuperate. 
He  placed  him  in  a  stall  next  to  one  occupied  by  a  fa 
mous  race  horse  owned  by  a  well-known  sporting 
man  from  Denver,  named  Davis,  who  happened  to  be  in 
Custer  City,  and  knowing  Jack  intimately,  had  offered 
him  the  use  of  his  stable. 

Returning  to  the  cabin  dignified  by  the  name  of  hotel, 
he  rolled  himself  in  his  blanket  on  the  floor  of  an  empty 
room  and  would  have  been  instantly  asleep  had  he  not 
overheard  a  few  words  of  conversation,  from  a  party  in 
the  adjoining  room,  in  which  his  own  name  occurred. 
Listening  with  the  trained  intensity  of  a  frontiersman, 
he  discovered  that  a  scheme  had  been  formed  by  the 
other  newspaper  correspondents  at  Custer  to  get  their 
dispatches  in  ahead  of  Jack.  They  had  engaged  a  well- 
known  mail-ridei  to  carry  their  matter,  with  the  under 
standing  that  if  he  succeeded  in  reaching  a  telegraph 
station  in  advance  of  Crawford  his  compensation  would 
be  something  princely.  After  the  business  had  been 
disposed  of  the  party  separated,  the  mail-rider  stipulat 
ing  that  he  should  have  a  couple  of  hours'  sleep  before 
starting. 

"Jack's  broncho  is  used  up,  anyhow,"  he  remarked. 
"I've  looked  him  over,  and  he  can't  stir  before  morn 
ing,  if  then." 


EARLY   DAYS   IN   THE    BLACK    HILLS.  229 

This  was  enough  for  Captain  Jack,  and  waiting  until 
he  heard  his  rival  snoring,  he  silently  crept  out,  and 
going  to  the  stable  he  felt  around  in  the  dark  for  his 
horse.  To  his  intense  dismay  he  found  him  lying  in 
in  the  stall  dead.  This  was  a  state  of  affairs  he  had  not 
counted  upon.  Where  to  get  another  animal  at  that 
hour  he  did  not  know,  and  delay  meant  defeat,  for  the 
mail-rider  was  undoubtedly  well  equipped  for  his  trip. 

Jack  had  a  well- written  account  of  Crook's  great 
campaign  to  its  termination,  but  its  special  value  de 
pended  upon  his  getting  it  telegraphed  to  the  Herald 
ahead  of  the  rival  news-gatherers. 

Just  then  the  Davis  mare  neighed. 

"Aha  !  said  Jack  softly,  "that  settles  it."  And  in 
a  few  minutes  he  had  her  saddled  and  bridled,  led  out 
and  mounted. 

Walking  her  cautiously  past  the  house,  he  suddenly 
found  himself,  in  the  dim  light,  looking  into  the  muzzle 
of  a  Henry  rifle  protruding  from  an  open  window,  with 
Davis'  grim  face  behind  it ! 

"Don't  shoot,  Davis!"  he  cried.  "It's  I — Jack 
Crawford.  I'll  take  good  care  of  the  mare  and  bring 
her  back  to  you,  but  I  must  have  her  to-night,"  and 
he  was  off  on  the  trail  like  the  wind.  Davis  did  n't 
shoot,  although  that  mare  was  the  apple  of  his  eye,  for 
he  knew  that  he  could  trust  Jack. 

That  long,  solitary,  and  dangerous  ride  through  a 
desert,  peopled  only  by  roving  bands  of  hostile  savages; 
the  arrival  the  next  day  at  Laramie ;  the  holding  of  the 
wires  (after  the  despatches  had  been  sent  off),  with  a 
mass  of  personal  adventures,  against  the  delayed  matter 
of  the  other  correspondents  until  he  felt  assured  (which 


230  EARLY   DAYS   IN   TH£   BLACK   HILLS. 

turned  out  to  be  a  fact)  that  the  New  York  Herald  had 
the  exclusive  details  of  the  campaign  a  day  in  advance 
of  any  other  paper  in  America,  all  this  has  been  pub 
lished  heretofore  and  need  not  be  repeated. 

The  Herald  was  so  pleased  with  the  exploit  that  its 
proprietor  sent  Jack  a  check  high  up  in  three  figures, 
and  his  thanks  besides. 

Captain  Crawford  has  collected  and  published  his 
poems  in  an  elegant  volume,  which  has  had  a  wide  sale. 
With  his  permission  one  of  them,  a  dialect  poem,  is 
here  given.  It  is  an  excellent  example  of  his  versatil 
ity  and  of  the  sparkling  wit  that  bubbles  from  his  pen 
as  naturally  and  refreshingly  as  the  cool  waters  from 
some  mountain  spring.  It  originally  appeared  in  the 
New  York  Clipper. 

SANTA  GLAUS  IN  THE  MINES. 

It  seemed  so  tarnal  foolish  like 

Fur  men  ter  tackle  children's  play, 
But  w'en  ol'  Californy  Mike 

Said:   "Boys,  to-morrow  's  Christmas  day; 
Suppose  we  all  hang  up  our  socks 

An'  see  what  Sandy  Claws  '11  bring?  " 
Us  four,  big,  burly  miner  gawks 

Decided  it  war  jest  the  thing. 

So  thar,  beside  our  cabin  fire, 
All  glowin'  with  its  ruddy  coals, 

We  made  a  play,  but  I  'm  a  liar 
If  every  sock  wan't  full  o'  holes ! 

At  this  diskivery  we  all 

Roared  out  in  laughin'  shouts  an'  hoots, 


EARLY   DAYS   IN   THE    BLACK    HILLS.  231 

Till  Forty-niner  Jim  McCall 

Said:   "Durn  it,  le  's  hang  up  our  boots." 

The  new  suggestion  seemed  to  strike 

The  gang  as  bein'  payin'  ore, 
So  every  boot  went  on  a  spike 

Drove  jest  outside  the  cabin  door, 
An'  then  fur  two  hull  hours  we  set 

A  talkin'  Chris' mas  talk,  an'  all 
The  boys  a  guessin'  w'at  they  'd  get 

When  Sandy  made  his  fly  in'  call. 

We  talked  of  boyhood's  happy  times 

W'en  Chris' mas  cum,  back  in  the  States, 
An'  how  we  used  ter  save  the  dimes 

Ter  buy  our  little  sleds  an'  skates. 
An'  how  the  row  of  little  socks 

'D  hang  above  the  fireplace  light 
An'  all  about  our  hopeful  talks 

W'en  in  our  trundle  beds  at  night. 

I  '11  tell  ye,  pard,  thar  wa'nt  no  lack 

O'  regular,  outpourin'  tears, 
As  recollection  tuk  us  back 

Along  the  trail  now  dimmed  with  years. 
An'  every  heart  jest  seemed  to  melt 

While  talkin'  of  our  kith  and  kin, 
An'  each  ol'  grizzled  miner  felt 

Jest  like  he  war  a  boy  agin. 

Next  mornin'  jest  as  peep  o'  day 

Across  the  mountain  'gan  ter  drift, 
As  in  our  bunks  we  snoozin'  lay, 


232  EARTHY   DAYS   IN   THE)   BI.ACK 

One  o'  the  boys  yelled  "  Chris'mas  Gift ! 
Then  up  we  sprung  onto  the  floor, 

A  bilin'  with  ol'  boyish  fun, 
An'  made  a  rush  out  o'  the  door 

Ter  see  w'at  Sandy  Claws  had  done. 


I  've  heard  o'  men  so  cussed  mean 

They  wa'nt  fit  ter  live  with  hogs, 
Nor  wa'nt  proper  ter  be  seen 

In  company  o'  decent  dogs. 
But  they  war  angels  w'en  compar'd 

Unto  that  meanest  o'  galoots 
Thet  in  the  quiet  night-time  dar'd 

Ter  sneak  along  an'  steal  our  boots ! 

A  string  o'  tracks  out  through  the  snow, 

Toward  a  distant  minin'  camp, 
The  thief's  direction  went  to  show, 

An'  indicated  him  a  tramp. 
But  somehow  in  my  mind  it  runs 

'Twar  Sandy  Claws  as  tuk  'em  in, 
Ter  punish  us  big  sons  of  guns, 

Fur  tryin'  ter  be  boys  agin. 

Capt.  Crawford  is  of  Scottish  lineage,  and  doubtless 
some  tinge  of  the  Highland  blood  of  his  remote  ances 
try  is  responsible  for  his  adventurous  life.  He  enlisted 
early  in  the  war  in  a  company  recruited  about  Miners- 
ville,  Pa.  His  company  was  in  the  advance  in  the  gi 
gantic  work  of  undermining  the  forts  in  front  of  Peters 
burg.  He  was  twice  wounded,  once  at  Chancellorsville, 


EARLY   DAYS   IN  THE   BLACK   HILLS.  233 

and  again  at  Spottsylvania,  and  a  very  slight  limp  in 
his  gait  serves  as  a  reminder  of  his  life  at  the  front. 

After  the  war  he  drifted  to  the  West,  and  was  one  of 
the  seven  men  who  first  penetrated  the  Black  Hills, 
being  chief  of  scouts  for  a  party  of  rangers.  He  subse 
quently  served  with  Custer,  and  then  as  chief  of  scouts 
for  Gen.  Crook.  He  afterwards  took  part  in  the  cam 
paign  against  the  old  Indian  chief  Victoria,  following 
him  to  the  Mexican  line,  where  Victoria  was  killed. 

Secretary  Lincoln  appointed  him  post  trader  at  Fort 
Craig,  New  Mexico,  after  this  campaign,  and  after  that 
post  was  abandoned  he  was  made  custodian  of  the  res 
ervation. 

He  is  now  employed  as  a  Special  Agent  of  the  Indian 
Bureau,  looking  up  frauds  against  these  wards  of  the 
Nation,  and  waging  war  against  those  selling  them 
liquor. 

His  home  is  an  ideal  one  for  a  borderman,  being  ro 
mantically  situated  on  the  banks  of  the  Rio  Grande,  in 
the  centre  of  his  cattle  range  of  forty-two  miles  square, 
where  his  herds  of  cattle  and  brood-mares  roam  at  will 
in  the  wide  river  bottoms  and  through  the  grassy  foot 
hills.  Here  he  resides  with  his  wife  and  children,  two 
daughters  and  a  son.  This  son,  Harry,  although  but 
twenty,  is  a  famous  rider,  and  Captain  Jack  is  specially 
proud  of  his  abilities  as  a  "roper,"  he  having  on  one 
occasion  thrown  a  wild  steer  and  tied  him  in  forty-seven 
and  a  half  seconds  from  the  word  "  go,"  a  record  which 
has  never  been  equalled  by  the  most  expert  cow  boy  in 
the  West. 

As  has  been  before  stated,  Captain  Crawford  has 
never  tasted  liquor,  and  his  reason  for  it,  as  given  by 


234  EARLY   DAYS   IN   THE   BLACK   HILLS. 

himself,  shows  both  the  affectionate  and  resolute  side  of 
his  character.     He  says: 

"Through  my  father's  one  great  failing,  intemper 
ance,  I  was  deprived  of  most  everything  that  a  boy 
should  have  had.  When  my  mother 'lay  on  her  death 
bed  she  called  me  to  her,  and  placing  her  hand  on  my 
head,  she  whispered:  'Johnny,  my  son,  my  wild  and 
reckless  boy,  you  know  how  much  your  mother  loves 
you.  I  am  going  to  heaven,  my  boy,  and  I  want  you 
to  give  me  a  promise  that  I  may  take  it  hence  with  me. 
Promise  that  you  will  never  drink  intoxicating  liquors, 
and  it  will  not  be  so  hard  for  me  to  leave  this  world.' 
I  gave  that  promise,  and  amid  all  the  temptations  of 
army  and  frontier  life,  whenever  I  was  asked  to  take  a 
drink,  that  scene  at  my  Christian  mother's  bedside  came 
to  me,  and  I  was  safe." 

Captain  Crawyford  is  a  ready,  eloquent  and  witty 
speaker,  and  is  in  constant  request  at  camp-fires,  re 
unions  and  temperance  meetings,  when  his  duties  per 
mit  his  absence  from  home. 


TO   THE   GRAND   ARMY   OF  THE   REPUBLIC.        235 


To  THE  GRAND  ARMY  OF  THE  REPUBLIC. 

I  feel  that  I  can  not  close  these  memoirs  without  re 
ferring  to  the  grandest  body  of  men  ever  banded  to 
gether  for  mutual  protection,  brotherly  assistance  and 
mutual  comradeship. 

Being  an  invalid,  physically  helpless,  these  noble  at 
tributes  of  the  Order  whose  name  appears  above  have 
been  forcibly  brought  home  to  me  during  the  years  I 
have  been  confined  to  room  and  bed,  £nd  through  many 
a  sleepless  night  have  my  thoughts  reverted  to  the  old 
heroic  days  that  gave  reason  for  the  present  existence 
of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic. 

It  was  born  in  the  storm  of  battle,  nurtured  in  the 
weary  marches  through  pestilential  swamps  under  a 
burning  Southern  sun,  and  cemented  in  the  prison  stock 
ade,  on  the  deadly  skirmish  line,  at  the  lonely  picket 
post — for  those  who  were  comrades  at  the  front  are  com 
rades  still,  and  will  be  until  ine  last  man  is  mustered 
out. 

These  are  the  ' '  boys ' '  who  marched  away  in  the 
sixties,  singing  gayly: 

"  We  are  coming,  Father  Abraham, 
Six  hundred  thousand  more," 

leaving  father  and  mother,  wife  and  children,  sweet 
heart  and  friends,  at  their  country's  call,  and  whether 


236     TO  THK  GRAND  ARMY  OF  TH^  REPUBLIC. 


their  brave  young  lives  went  out  amid  the  thundering 
of  the  guns,  or  wasted  away  by  fell  disease,  or  they  sur 
vived  to  join  hands  and  hearts  in  after  years  in  the  G. 
A.  R.,  they  are  the  Nation's  immortal  heroes. 

When  the  mighty  armies,  whose  tramp  had  been 
heard  around  the  world,  had  quietly  dissolved,  their 
survivors  would  come  together  to  talk  over  the  perils 
they  had  shared  together,  and  these  reunions  gradually 
crystalized  into  one  vast  aggregation,  banded  together 
in  Friendship,  Charity  and  Loyalty. 

These  are  the  men  whom  Lincoln  trusted  —  the  men 
who  solved  the  problem  that  could  only  be  solved  by 
the  sword. 

Is  it  strange  that  during  the  tedious  hours  of  the  past 
two  years  the  bright  faces  of  visiting  comrades  were 
like  rays  of  sunshine  ?  for  I,  like  the  others  who  wore 
the  blue,  am  now  proud  to  wear  the  bronze  button  of 
the  G.  A.  R. 

The  benefits  of  the  Order  are  most  forcibly  ex 
perienced  when  sickness  or  want  invades  the  home,  and 
'tis  then  the  soldier  feels  that  he  is  not  alone  in  the 
world,  but  is  the  object  of  the  care  and  solicitude  of  his 
comrades. 

When  deserted  by  hope,  racked  with  pain,  mental 
and  physical,  believing  that  I  would  never  leave  my 
bed  alive,  many  weary  hours  of  the  night  have  I  passed 
with  the  "  Phantom  Army  "  long  since  gone  to  its 
eternal  camping  ground;  the  Army  that  crossed  the 
River  of  Life  many  years  ago  and  is  now  awaiting  the 
rear  guard.  In  my  fancy  I  found  two  armies  about  me, 
the  material  and  the  spiritual,  the  former  composed  of 
comrades  whose  friendly  visits  cheered  me  during  the 


TO   THE   GRAND   ARMY   OF  THE   REPUBLIC.        237 

day,  the  latter  my  companions  of  the  night.  So  it 
was  that  day  or  night  present  or  absent  comrades  con 
tributed  to  my  comfort. 

To  the  living  soldier  friends  my  best  thanks  are  due 
for  calls  that  seemed  to  relieve  me  of  half  the  suffering  I 
endured,  their  very  presence  a  better  medicine  for  body 
and  mind  than  all  the  drugs  in  the  pharmacopoeia. 

And  when  the  last  tattoo  is  sounded  and  our  spirits 
are  called  to  join  the  Grand  Army  gone  before,  we 
know  that  our  comrades'  loving  hands  will  bear  us  ten 
derly  to  the  tomb,  and  that  each  recurring  year  will  see 
our  graves  blooming  with  the  roses  of  remembrance 
while  a  member  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic 
survives. 

JAMES  E.  SMITH, 
Kit  Carson  Post,  No.  2,  Dep' 7  of  the  Potomac. 


THE  RND. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below 


OCT  311947 
SENT  ON  ILL 

JUL261995 

U.C.BERKELEY 


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